New York Attorney General Launches Probe into Columbia University's Handling of Predatory Doctor

The New York State Attorney General's office has initiated a comprehensive investigation into Columbia University's institutional response to former OB-GYN Robert Hadden, who continued to see patients despite numerous warnings of his predatory behavior. This probe follows a 2023 investigation that revealed Columbia allegedly ignored patient complaints and allowed Hadden to practice even after a 911 call reported a sexual assault in 2012. Hadden was convicted in federal court in early 2023 for sexually abusing patients and is currently serving a 20-year sentence. Columbia has already paid over $1 billion to settle more than 1,000 claims of sexual abuse related to Hadden.

Despite Columbia's commitment to reforms, including a $100 million victim fund and an independent investigation, advocates and survivors argue the university has not done enough to address its role in Hadden's misconduct. Hundreds of Columbia medical students have demanded disciplinary reviews for administrators who failed to act on warnings about Hadden. Notably, Dr. Mary D’Alton, who was involved in authorizing Hadden's return to work, remains the chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department, and no high-ranking officials at Columbia appear to have faced disciplinary action or job loss, unlike at other institutions dealing with similar scandals.

The Attorney General's office possesses significant authority over New York's non-profit organizations, including Columbia, and has previously compelled other powerful entities to enact reforms or shut down. Survivors have expressed relief and hope that this investigation will finally bring much-needed accountability, especially given the university's delayed release of its own commissioned report on the matter. New York State Assemblymember Grace Lee has criticized the university's failure to publish this report, emphasizing the ongoing lack of accountability for what transpired.