The News

MIT looking into allegations against author Junot Diaz

BOSTON (AP) — MIT says it’s looking into allegations of sexual misconduct against author Junot Diaz.

A spokeswoman for the university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, didn’t immediately comment Wednesday on the status of the inquiry.

The school said earlier this week it doesn’t tolerate sexual harassment but that it also strives to protect the rights of both the accusers and accused.

Diaz is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and creative writing professor.

The Cambridge Public Library also announced Wednesday it has canceled its annual Summer Reading Kick-Off featuring Diaz. It had been slated for May 16.

Author Zinzi Clemmons took to Twitter on Friday to say that Diaz forcibly kissed her several years ago. Other female writers also shared their encounters with Diaz on social media. Diaz has said he takes responsibility for his past.