EXCLUSIVE: Woman accusing UC Berkeley professor of harassment speaks out

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ByAmy Hollyfield KGO logo
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
EXCLUSIVE: Woman accusing UC Berkeley professor of harassment speaks out
EXCLUSIVE: Woman accusing UC Berkeley professor of harassment speaks outSome UC Berkeley students are refusing to attend one particular class and are protesting against a professor accused of sexual harassment.

BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- Some UC Berkeley students are refusing to attend one particular class and are protesting against a professor accused of sexual harassment.

The students want the university to take action.

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The woman accusing a professor of harassing her said she is incredibly moved by the support she is getting from students at Berkeley.

Eva Hagberg Fisher says her professor intimidated, isolated and sexually harassed her for four years and an independent investigator agreed with her upholding most of her claims.

RELATED: UC Berkeley moves to fire assistant coach over sexual harassment claim

Nezar Alsayyad, 61, told the San Francisco Chronicle he denies all the allegations and says he feels he is being victimized.

At least 74 students have signed a petition asking the university to pull his tenure. They also plan to hold a protest Tuesday afternoon.

Eva told ABC7 News she sobbed when she saw the petition.

Some findings from the report obtained by ABC7 News reveals that the professor's personal interactions escalated with her by intimidating her and making her feel like he was her protector. Also, that he physically touched her in a personal and sexual manner.

University officials and campus leaders will meet Tuesday afternoon to discuss how they can better support students who are in similar situations.

Fisher says she wants students to know that you can come forward and can continue to pursue your education, which is important to her that she loves being in grad school.

A protest will take place outside Wurster Hall Tuesday and Thursday.

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