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Jack Lessenberry quits Wayne State journalism post

Jack Lessenberry
Michigan Radio

Former Michigan Radio political analyst Jack Lessenberry has resigned as head of Wayne State University's journalism program in the wake of sexual harassment allegations.

Lessenberry quit Michigan Radio in May, shortly after the publication of a story in Deadline Detroit titled “Jack Lessenberry’s Long History of Questionable Behavior with Women.”

Lessenberry had taken a voluntary leave from Wayne State University while the school conducts an investigation. He told The Detroit News: “I concluded that I could no longer be effective in the current environment, and decided the best thing to do was to retire, so that my colleagues, who I deeply respect, could get on with plans for the fall semester.” 

Lessenberry has denied the allegations against him, which include inappropriate physical contact and remarks. 

Lessenberry resigned from the Detroit Metro Times following a suspension in May. He's been hired by radio station 910 AM to host a daily, two-hour morning show starting next month.

Sarah Hulett is Michigan Public's Director of Amplify & Longform, helping reporters to do their best work.