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University President Steps Down Following Sex Abuse Allegations Against Former USC Doctor

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The University of Southern California’s president stepped down Tuesday following sex abuse allegations against the school’s former doctor.

C. L. Max Nikias, the president of USC since 2010, resigned following the sexual misconduct allegations against the former university gynecologist George Tyndall, 71, the New York Post reported. Tyndall, who worked at USC for 30 years until retiring in 2017, is accused of forcing patients to strip naked, groping patients and making crude comments, The Associated Press reported.

The president’s resignation is “effective immediately,” according to the New York Post. (RELATED: Women Filing Lawsuit Against USC Over Former Gynecologist’s Alleged Sexual Abuse)

change.org petition previously called for Nikias’s resignation, garnishing 4,228 signatures as of Wednesday.

There are more than 100 people suing both USC and Tyndall, the New York Post added.

Wanda Austin — the CEO of her own company Aerospace Corp., USC board member and former USC engineering student — will serve as the interim president.

“She is a professional of impeccable integrity and character,” wrote board of trustees chair Rick Caruso in a letter sent out to students and faculty. Austin is “a strong advocate for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines as well as for minorities and women.”

USC is hoping to employ a new president in the next four to six months.

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