Hannah Reale, Features Editor

On Thursday, March 1, University President Michael Roth ’78 announced that Daniel Handler ’92 will be stepping down from his position within the commencement ceremony amid reports of sexually inappropriate behavior.

Anita Hill, who was already invited to the ceremony as an honorary doctorate recipient, will replace him and give the 186th commencement address.

“Daniel Handler has chosen to withdraw as Wesleyan’s Commencement speaker this May,” Roth wrote. “We’ve agreed that the focus of the event should be on the Class of 2018, their families and the celebration of graduation. I’m pleased to share that Anita Hill has graciously agreed to deliver the Commencement address.”

Handler will not receive an honorary doctorate and no additional speakers have been chosen to take his place.

“President Roth invited me to deliver Commencement remarks and I was honored to accept the invitation to address the Wesleyan Class of 2018,” Hill wrote in an email to The Argus. “I’m looking forward to what I know is an important day for all graduates, myself included.”

Handler’s spokesperson declined to comment.

This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly. 

Hannah Reale can be reached at hreale@weslayan.edu.