(WBBM Newsradio) -- Northwestern University Athletic Director Mike Polisky has announced his resignation, amid claims that he was part of a culture of sexual harassment in the athletic department.
Last week, NU President Morton Schapiro had stood by his decision to promote Polisky to AD, even as Polisky faces allegations in a civil lawsuit.
Wednesday, Polisky said he would step down.
"I do not want to be a distraction to our incredible men and women as is pursues the collective goal of helping our student-athletes become the best they can be,” he said in a news release. “While my family and I are disappointed, I move forward knowing this is the right decision.”
Last week, demonstrators that included students and faculty marched to Schapiro's residence to object to Polisky's selection as AD. Previously, he had served in a deputy position.
Former Northwestern cheerleader Erika Carter said Polisky condoned the sexual harassment of cheerleaders by school donors. University officials said an independent investigation yielded no evidence of wrongdoing.
Schapiro said Professor Robert Gundlach, who is from outside the Athletics and Recreation Department, will temporarily serve as interim leader. A new search begins for an athletic director, the NU president said.
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