New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating Columbia University’s response to decades of warnings regarding the alleged misconduct of former OB-GYN Robert Hadden, who was convicted of sexually abusing patients. The inquiry centers on how the university allowed Hadden to continue practicing medicine despite numerous reports of abuse.
The Attorney General’s office confirmed the investigation in a statement to ProPublica, stating they are conducting a “thorough investigation into the institutional response to Robert Hadden’s misconduct.” Details of the scope and timeline of the investigation remain limited.
This investigation follows a ProPublica report from fall 2023 detailing how Columbia allegedly prioritized protecting Hadden over the safety of his patients. The report revealed that as early as 2012, Columbia permitted Hadden to continue seeing patients just days after a patient called 911 to report a sexual assault. The case highlights concerns about institutional accountability and the protection of patients within academic medical centers.
Robert Hadden was convicted in federal court in early 2023 on charges of sexually abusing patients and is currently serving a 20-year sentence. Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital have collectively paid out over $1 billion to more than 1,000 individuals alleging sexual abuse by Hadden, according to Crain’s New York Business.
Columbia’s Response and Ongoing Concerns
Following the ProPublica investigation, Columbia committed to reforms including enhanced patient safety protocols, a $100 million fund for victims, and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hadden’s continued employment. However, advocates, students, and survivors argue that these measures are insufficient and that Columbia has not fully addressed its role in enabling Hadden’s abuse.
Four hundred Columbia medical students recently sent a letter to university officials demanding disciplinary reviews for administrators who allegedly ignored warnings about Hadden’s behavior. Unlike similar cases at other universities involving abusive doctors, no Columbia administrators have reportedly faced job losses or disciplinary action. Dr. Mary D’Alton, who was copied on a letter authorizing Hadden’s return to perform, remains the chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department. Dr. D’Alton did not respond to requests for comment.
Columbia University declined to comment on the Attorney General’s investigation or the ongoing concerns raised by survivors and students.
Attorney General’s Powers and Previous Cases
The New York Attorney General’s office possesses significant authority over nonprofit organizations, including Columbia University. Previously, the office successfully forced the shutdown of the Trump Foundation and recently filed a lawsuit against the National Rifle Association, leading to a series of reforms within the organization. This history demonstrates the Attorney General’s willingness to investigate and hold institutions accountable for misconduct.
Survivors of Hadden’s abuse have expressed relief that the New York Attorney General is examining Columbia’s actions. Evelyn Yang, a patient assaulted by Hadden after his reinstatement, stated, “Accountability is overdue, particularly in light of the Epstein files,” referencing recent revelations about Columbia affiliates’ connections to Jeffrey Epstein, as reported by ProPublica.
Yang was seven months pregnant at the time of her assault. She, along with at least eight other patients, were allegedly abused by Hadden after he was allowed to return to practice.
Delayed Report and Legislative Response
Columbia initially promised to “thoroughly examine the circumstances” that allowed Hadden’s abuse to continue following the publication of the ProPublica investigation over two years ago. However, the report detailing those findings has yet to be released. Last week, Columbia acknowledged “many questions” regarding the timing of the investigation and stated the report is expected “soon.”
New York State Assemblymember Grace Lee criticized the university’s delay in releasing the report, stating to ProPublica, “To me, it’s just outrageous that we are here now in 2026 and we still have no report and no one has been held accountable.” By comparison, an external investigation into similar misconduct at the University of Michigan involving former physician Robert Anderson took approximately 15 months to complete.
Marissa Hoechstetter, another survivor of Hadden’s abuse, expressed that the Attorney General’s investigation provides a sense of relief, as the institution has repeatedly failed to conduct a thorough self-examination. “I do believe institutional accountability is a missing part of making a bigger change in the fight of gender-based violence,” Hoechstetter said. “I don’t know what will come of this investigation…but it shows that institutions that protect and cover up abusers…will be held accountable.”
Hoechstetter and Yang were both advocates for the passage of the Adult Survivors Act, a New York State law enacted in 2022 that opened a one-year window for survivors of sexual assault to file civil suits, even if the statute of limitations had expired. In November 2023, Columbia announced it would send letters to approximately 6,500 former patients just ten days before the extended window closed, after years of failing to notify them of Hadden’s misconduct.
A January town hall meeting at the Columbia medical school revealed that the decision to delay patient notification was made by the Board of Trustees due to concerns about potential litigation costs, according to a recording obtained by ProPublica. Monica Lypson, the vice dean for medical education, stated, “It actually is a Board of Trustee decision.” Lypson did not respond to a request for comment.
The deadline to submit a claim to Columbia’s survivors’ settlement fund, available to those who do not wish to pursue lawsuits, has been extended to April 15.
The Attorney General’s investigation represents a significant development in the ongoing effort to hold Columbia University accountable for its handling of the Robert Hadden case. The outcome of the investigation could lead to further reforms within the university and potentially impact how institutions address allegations of misconduct by medical professionals. The next step will be to await the findings of the Attorney General’s investigation and any subsequent actions taken by the office.
Have your say: What further steps should Columbia University take to address the harm caused by Robert Hadden and rebuild trust with its patients and community? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
