[8][9] It was also alleged that Urton harassed students at his field school in San Jose de Moro,[8] and the anthropology department received further complaints that were not made public.
In June 2021, the Harvard Office for Dispute Resolution concluded that Urton had engaged in unwelcome sexual conduct and abused power with individuals over whom he had professional responsibility.
[7][12] In June 2020, over fifty former students and faculty signed a letter complaining that under Urton's leadership, the department was an "old boys’ club" that fostered "an environment that tolerated gender-based harassment, [...] sexual misconduct, sexism, and misogyny.
In 2021, the University’s Office for Dispute Resolution arrived at the conclusion that Urton “engaged in unwelcome sexual conduct and abused power with individuals over whom he had professional responsibility.” The University's leadership revocated Urton of his emeritus status, he is now barred from teaching and advising undergraduate or Graduate School of Arts and Sciences students; availing himself of Faculty of Arts and Sciences amenities or resources; and accessing the FAS campus or FAS-sponsored events.
FAS dean Claudine Gay noted that President Lawrence S. Bacow agreed to extend the last sanction, barring Urton from the entirety of the University’s campus and all Harvard-sponsored events.