University of Michigan Fires Opera Singer for Sexual Misconduct, Lawsuit Dismissed
Introduction
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by David Daniels, an acclaimed opera singer, against the University of Michigan, claiming that the school’s firing of him was unfair and unjust. Daniels was terminated in 2020 after an investigation found that he had engaged in sexual misconduct with multiple students.
Background
Daniels, 58, was hired as a voice professor in 2015 and granted tenure three years later in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. He was fired in 2020 after an investigation found that he had solicited at least three students and shared a sexually explicit video with one, officials said.
Criminal Charges
Separately, Daniels and his husband, Scott Walters, pleaded guilty in 2023 to sexual assault and were placed on probation in Texas. A Rice University graduate student said the couple drugged and sexually assaulted him years earlier after they met at a Houston Grand Opera reception.
Lawsuit
Daniels claimed that his rights were violated during the process that led to his University of Michigan firing. The school denied it and noted that he had been represented by a lawyer. In a court filing, the university said waiting more than three years to sue was "inexcusable neglect" by Daniels or a "strategic decision."
Court Ruling
U.S. District Judge Sean Cox dismissed the lawsuit, stating that Daniels waited too long to sue the university. Daniels’ attorney, Francyne Stacey, argued that the criminal case in Texas presented "exceptional circumstances." The judge, however, was unmoved, citing the three-year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit.
Other Claims
Daniels also sued a student who had accused him of sexual misconduct. Judge Cox dismissed those claims, too, saying they were based on state law, not federal law.
Career and Accolades
Daniels has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the San Francisco Opera.
Conclusion
The University of Michigan’s decision to fire David Daniels for sexual misconduct has been upheld, and his subsequent lawsuit has been dismissed. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and the need for prompt and effective reporting of sexual misconduct.
FAQs
Q: What was the reason for David Daniels’ dismissal from the University of Michigan?
A: Daniels was fired for engaging in sexual misconduct with multiple students, including soliciting at least three students and sharing a sexually explicit video with one.
Q: What was the outcome of the lawsuit filed by David Daniels against the University of Michigan?
A: The lawsuit was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Sean Cox, who ruled that Daniels waited too long to sue the university.
Q: What was the outcome of the criminal case against David Daniels and his husband, Scott Walters?
A: They pleaded guilty to sexual assault and were placed on probation in Texas.
Q: What was the nature of the criminal case against David Daniels and his husband?
A: The couple was accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a Rice University graduate student at a Houston Grand Opera reception.
Q: What is the significance of this case?
A: The case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and the need for prompt and effective reporting of sexual misconduct.
