After four years in litigation, a former University dean is clear of sexual harassment allegations. The University released a statement Monday that a 2006 lawsuit against John Soloski, former dean and now a professor at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, had been settled and dismissed.

Soloski

The court order states Soloski “did not violate the University of Georgia’s Non-Discrimination Anti-Harassment policy by engaging in sexual harassment.” Soloski came under investigation after a co-worker filed a complaint in 2005 that Soloski said a dress “showed off her assets.”

The court order is to be the top document on all files related to the case and must be provided with any documents released about the case.

Tom Jackson, vice president for public affairs, declined to comment on specifics of the case or how it has affected Soloski’s career, but a U.S. District Court lawyer in 2008 called the investigation against Soloski “arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable.”

“We made those responses in court and are glad to see it resolved,” Jackson said Monday. “It’s time to move forward.”

Though Soloski is one step closer to clearing his name, he’s not talking just yet. He and lawyer Brandon Hornsby are waiting until settlement documents are made public before commenting.

Final court order