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- Adam Habib will step aside as the director of the University of London's School of African and Oriental Studies until a probe concludes.
- Habib is in hot water for using the 'N-word' during a meeting with students.
- The former Wits University vice-chancellor has only been in his new position since January.
The University of London's School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS) director, Professor Adam Habib, will step aside while the institution investigates allegations of racism against him.
The former Wits University vice-chancellor came under fire for using the N-word in response to a question about lecturers using the term in class.
"As chair of the board, I have agreed with director Adam Habib that he will step aside while this investigation takes place, so as not to compromise the investigation," said SOAS board of trustees head Marie Staunton.
READ | Adam Habib in hot water over N-word
"We will continue to find ways to facilitate the mediated conversations and engagement - including with Adam - that centre the Black community and the SOAS community broadly, in ways that also do not compromise the process of the investigation," Staunton said.
Habib will remain out until the probe concludes and the day-to-day running of SOAS will be handed to interim director, Professor Clair Ozanne.
Staunton added that Ozanne was currently the deputy director and provost at SOAS and played a key role in providing academic and strategic leadership.
ALSO | Adam Habib announces resignation as Wits' vice-chancellor
Unreserved apology
In an apology to students and staff on 12 March, Habib said he recognised the hurt and distress his use of the N-word had caused.
Habib explained the context, saying: "During the meeting, a student questioned SOAS' responsiveness to anti-black racism and suggested that a staff member had used the word without consequences. I responded: 'If someone used the word [N-word] against another staff member, then it would violate our policy and action would be taken.'
"I apologised, saying no offence had been intended, and reiterated that if the word was used against another person, it would be a disciplinary offence as it would violate our policies. Nevertheless, I recognise that, despite the context, many in our community were offended and hurt by the term. And, for this, I apologise unreservedly.
"I am sorry to have caused this controversy, and I am keen to work with the whole school in addressing the issues which will enable SOAS to achieve its mission in both the national and global community."
The EFF welcomed Habib's temporary removal, pending the investigation.
The party said:
