Oxford Poetry Prof Resigns

First female to nab top post reverses earlier decision amid smear campaign accusations
By Jess Kilby,  Newser Staff
Posted May 25, 2009 7:17 PM CDT
Oxford Poetry Prof Resigns
British poet Ruth Padel, great-great-granddaughter of Charles Darwin, resigned her post as Oxford Professor of Poetry today amid accusations she ran a smear campaign against a rival for the job.   (AP Photo / Sang Tan)

The first woman to hold one of the UK’s top poetry posts has reversed direction and announced her resignation amid accusations that she ran a smear campaign against a rival, the Telegraph reports. Ruth Padel stepped down as the Oxford Professor of Poetry today but maintained she acted in “good faith” in telling reporters about a book detailing sexual harassment accusations against Nobel laureate Derek Walcott.
(More Oxford University stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X