University Confirms Allegations on 'Oxford American'

The literary world has been stunned to learn of the ouster of Marc Smirnoff as editor of The Oxford American over allegations of sexual harassment -- allegations that he denies. Because the magazine's office is on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas, that institution responded with its own investigation -- confirming allegations related to the office environment for interns and others. The university found that '[t]here were many examples of inappropriate sexual conversation and language, obscene gestures were witnessed and potential sexual harassment situations were documented," The Log Cabin Democrat reported. The university recommended new procedures to prevent harassment, and the publisher of the magazine has agreed to carry them out.