MADISON, Wisc.

Paul Barrows, the beleaguered University of Wisconsin administrator accused in 2003 of sexual harassment, just wants his embarrassing case to end.

After two years of negative headlines invoking race, politics, university spending, and indecent relations, one would think that the university administration would like it to end, too.

But last week there was no end in site.

The University of Wisconsin provost sent Barrows a “letter of council” chastising him for “inappropriate actions against two students.” Barrows, who has long maintained his innocence and been cleared once by a university-appointed committee, is appealing the letter and has already filed a slew of lawsuits against the university.

“I will take this as far as I need to clear my reputation and hold those accountable for what they’ve done to me and to get fairness and justice,” Barrows said.

Provost Patrick Farrell, who sent the letter, was not reachable for comment. Karen Al-Ashkar, who chaired the Appeals committee for the university, said that issuing a “letter of council” fell within the rights of the provost’s office. 

The case, which has dominated university news for more than two years, has blown like a hurricane across campus, tarnishing all those drawn in. In addition to the lawsuits, the case has drawn accusations of poor leadership against the president, caused an uproar from the general public over administration salaries and dragged through the mud the two girls who complained that Barrow’s harassed them.

Some say that diversity initiatives have also taken a hit, in a university where Blacks make up less than 3 percent of the student body. Nationwide, Wisconsin has the lowest high school graduation rate for Blacks at 41 percent. Most credit Barrow, who is Black, for taking the lead on campus for recruiting and retaining minority students.

“There are so few African-Americans and we need an advocate and someone to help us navigate, and Paul was masterful at that,” said Sherrill Sellers, assistant professor, school of social work. “We’re managing for the students, but it was a loss for the faculty.”