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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Oxford Poetry Prof Resigns

First female to nab top post reverses earlier decision amid smear campaign accusations

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(Newser) – 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.

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.
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)
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.
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)
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I acted in complete good faith, and would have been happy to lose to Derek, but I can see that people might interpret my actions otherwise.
- Ruth Padel

I wish to do what is best for the University and I understand that opinion there is divided. I therefore resign from the Chair of Poetry.
- Ruth Padel

We respect the decision that Ruth Padel has taken. This has been a difficult chapter for all concerned and a period of reflection may now be in order.

- an Oxford University spokesperson

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3 comments
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Nwambe
May 25, 09 9:49 PM CDT
If you could see that people would interpret your actions otherwise, why'd you do it in the first place? Reply
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kokuaguy
May 26, 09 2:25 AM CDT
Because she believed it was something those who would be voting should know about the man. If Wolcott had been elected I imagine there'd have been an outcry. Reply
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ifbit
May 26, 09 4:03 AM CDT
A post of merit Kept out of reach of children Who only want sweets Reply
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