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White House's top scientist resigns after mistreating staffers

This picture shows US President Joe Biden's top science adviser, Eric Lander, speaking at an event at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del., Jan. 16, 2021. (File photo by AP)

US President Joe Biden's top science adviser has resigned after the White House confirmed he had mistreated his staff.

Eric Lander, the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and science adviser to Biden, resigned on Monday hours after an internal investigation found him guilty of bullying and mistreating staffers.

In his resignation letter, Lander wrote, “I am devastated that I caused hurt to past and present colleagues by the way in which I have spoken to them,” adding, “I believe it is not possible to continue effectively in my role, and the work of this office is far too important to be hindered.” he added.

The White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden had accepted Lander’s resignation, noting that Lander’s resignation had not been requested.

On Friday, Lander had issued an apology to staffers, acknowledging his mistakes and admitting that he had talked to those under his management "in a disrespectful or demeaning way.”

“I am deeply sorry for my conduct,” Lander said in his apology letter, further emphasizing, “I especially want to apologize to those of you who I treated poorly, or were present at the time.”

After taking office, Biden introduced the “Safe and Respectful Workplace Policy” that was meant to serve as a contrast to the oftentimes notoriously disrespectful behavior of former President Donald Trump and his aides towards White House staff workers and opponents.


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