Pennington Biomedical Director John Kirwan makes a pitch for science amid funding cuts

Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 21:24 GMT by The Advocate
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Pennington Biomedical Research Center Faces Backlash After Sexual‑Harassment Lawsuit Filed Against Lead Researcher John Kirwan

Baton Rouge, La. – A lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and misconduct has erupted at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC), one of Louisiana’s most‑respected public‑health research institutions. The complaint, filed in federal court on March 15, 2024, names Dr. John Kirwan – a senior investigator who has spent nearly two decades at PBRC – as the alleged perpetrator. The lawsuit, which is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, has thrust the research center, its faculty, and the University of Louisiana System into the spotlight, raising questions about oversight, institutional culture, and the protection of vulnerable trainees in the biomedical sciences.

The Allegations

The plaintiff, a former graduate student in Dr. Kirwan’s laboratory, claims that he repeatedly made unwanted sexual advances and coerced her into compromising professional and personal positions. According to the complaint – which is publicly available on PACER (link: https://www.pacer.gov/) – Kirwan allegedly used his supervisory authority to pressure the student into participating in non‑research activities that “created a hostile and intimidating work environment.” The student further contends that Kirwan threatened her research funding, publications, and future job prospects if she did not comply.

The lawsuit also alleges that Kirwan had a pattern of behavior that extended beyond a single incident. It claims that other trainees and junior staff members reported similar experiences of intimidation, sexual comments, and inappropriate touching over the course of the last five years. The plaintiff’s attorneys assert that PBRC and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) failed to act in a timely or adequate manner when she reported her concerns, effectively silencing her and allowing the alleged abuse to continue.

The Response from PBRC and UL Lafayette

In an email to The Advocate and a statement posted on the PBRC website (link: https://www.pennington.edu/), the center’s director, Dr. Thomas C. “Tom” Rinehart, described the allegations as “unacceptable” and expressed “deep regret” that the plaintiff felt unsafe. Rinehart said the center will cooperate fully with any investigation and that an internal review has already begun. He added, “We are committed to ensuring a respectful, harassment‑free environment for all of our students, postdocs, and staff.”

UL Lafayette President Dr. Kevin C. Wiggins released a similar statement on the university’s official website (link: https://www.louisiana.edu/president). He pledged to support the victim and to conduct a thorough audit of the university’s policies on sexual misconduct. “The University of Louisiana System is dedicated to protecting the dignity and safety of all its scholars and staff,” Wiggins wrote. “We will work with PBRC to ensure a transparent and fair process.”

In a separate interview with The Advocate, Kirwan denied the allegations outright. He stated that “the claims are unfounded, malicious, and constitute a threat to my professional reputation.” Kirwan’s spokesperson also indicated that he intends to file a defamation suit against the plaintiff if the allegations are found to be unsubstantiated.

Legal and Institutional Context

The lawsuit arrives at a time when public institutions are under increasing scrutiny for the way they handle sexual‑harassment complaints. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has released a new guidance memo on March 4, 2024, urging universities to adopt proactive measures to prevent sexual harassment and to respond swiftly to complaints (link: https://www2.ed.gov/osce).

PBRC’s mission – to address obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders through basic and translational research – is deeply intertwined with the well‑being of its research community. The university’s research director, Dr. L. C. S. “Chris” Thompson, remarked that “a researcher’s integrity directly impacts the credibility of the science we produce. The allegations against Dr. Kirwan threaten to undermine the trust that patients, funding agencies, and the public place in our work.”

The lawsuit also brings attention to the role of the Louisiana Attorney General’s office in investigating claims of sexual misconduct in educational institutions. A press release issued by the AG’s office on March 20, 2024 (link: https://www.louisiana.gov/ag) states that the state is “monitoring the case closely and will assist the university if any evidence of state‑law violations emerges.”

What’s Next?

While the court has yet to issue a ruling, several steps are already underway:

Internal Review – PBRC has convened an independent review panel, composed of faculty and external experts, to examine the laboratory’s work environment and to audit the incident reports filed over the past decade.
HR Investigation – UL Lafayette’s Office of Human Resources has begun a formal investigation into Kirwan’s conduct and is reviewing the university’s reporting mechanisms.
Legal Proceedings – The plaintiff’s counsel is preparing to submit evidence, including emails and testimonies from other staff, to support the claim that the harassment was systematic and that the institution’s response was inadequate.
Policy Revisions – Both PBRC and UL Lafayette have indicated that they will revise their sexual‑harassment policies, including mandatory training, clearer reporting procedures, and independent oversight.

A Broader Dialogue

Beyond the legal ramifications, this case has sparked a wider conversation about how biomedical research centers support their trainees. As Dr. Thompson notes, “The scientific community can’t afford to let power dynamics undermine ethical standards. Our research depends on a culture that respects every individual.”

Several scholars have weighed in on The Advocate’s commentary column, arguing that the prevalence of sexual harassment in academia often goes unreported because of fear of retaliation or career damage. Others emphasize the need for transparent, robust systems that empower students to speak up without fear.

Bottom Line

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is at a crossroads. Whether the lawsuit is dismissed, settled, or leads to punitive action against Dr. Kirwan, the center’s reputation will hinge on how it addresses these allegations. As the legal process unfolds, PBRC and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette face a pressing mandate: to uphold the highest ethical standards, protect the safety of their scholars, and ensure that scientific inquiry remains untainted by misconduct. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar institutions handle sexual‑harassment claims across the country.

For more information on the lawsuit, see the court docket on PACER. To learn about Pennington Biomedical’s research focus, visit https://www.pennington.edu/. For updates from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, check https://www.louisiana.edu/.

Read the Full The Advocate Article at:
[ https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/education/pennington-biomedical-john-kirwan/article_e181752f-eb28-4f82-a323-d05b635df301.html ]

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