President Biden’s top science adviser, Dr. Eric Lander, resigned on Monday after an internal review found credible evidence that he bullied and demeaned his staffers.
Lander’s departure from Office of Science and Technology Policy came after The White House earlier in the day indicated that he would be allowed to keep his job — a decision that was at odds with Biden’s day-one vow to fire any staffers who mistreat their colleagues.
“The President accepted Dr. Eric Lander’s resignation letter this evening with gratitude for his work at OSTP on the pandemic, the Cancer Moonshot, climate change, and other key priorities,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a Monday night statement.
“He knows that Dr. Lander will continue to make important contributions to the scientific community in the years ahead.”
The investigation into Lander was triggered last year by a workplace complaint from his then-general counsel, Rachel Wallace, Politico reported.
The review’s findings found that Lander treated staffers disrespectfully and violated the department’s “Safe and Respectful Workplace Policy.”
Recordings and documents related to the probe, which were obtained by the outlet, found that Lander had bullied other female staffers in addition to Wallace.
Of the roughly 140 staffers in the office, 14 current and former employees said they had experienced a toxic environment working under Lander. Nine of those staffers claimed Lander would yell and humiliate employees in front of their peers.
The review didn’t find evidence of gender-based discrimination and the reassignment of the staffer who filed the initial complaint last year was “appropriate,” according to the White House.
In his resignation letter, Lander expressed remorse for his conduct.
“I am devastated that I caused hurt to past and present colleagues by the way in which I have spoken to them,” Lander said.
“I believe it is not possible to continue effectively in my role, and the work of this office is far too important to be hindered,” he added.
Lander’s resignation marks the first Cabinet-level departure of the Biden administration.
With Post wires
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