Seattle University dean on leave amid student protests

SEATTLE – Seattle University has placed the dean of its humanities college on administrative leave in the wake of a student protest in her office.

The Seattle Times reported she was placed on leave Wednesday, the 22nd day of a student sit-in. The private college said in an email that Jodi Kelly will be on leave pending the outcome of complaints filed in the school’s Office of Institutional Equity and a broader review of other issues.

Interim Provost Bob Dullea said he believes the college needed Kelly to take a step back from day-to-day management to ensure successful operations of the college.

Kelly could not immediately be reached for comment.

Students began occupying a part of Kelly’s office last month, calling for her resignation and changes to the humanities college curriculum, which they say focuses too narrowly on Western ideas and history.