The name C.W. Park became the center of a major controversy at the University of Southern California (USC) after serious allegations surfaced against him. C.W. Park, a respected marketing professor at the Marshall School of Business, faced a lawsuit that accused him of sexual harassment, discrimination, and misconduct toward a former student assistant. The lawsuit, which also named USC as a defendant, has since sparked debate about the culture of accountability, gender equality, and ethical responsibility within higher education.
The case is not just about one individual—it’s about how institutions handle power imbalances, the treatment of students, and the steps universities must take to ensure safety and justice.
Who Is C.W. Park?
Choong Whan “C.W.” Park was a long-time tenured professor and the director of the Global Branding Center at USC’s Marshall School of Business. Over his career, he gained international recognition for his research in consumer psychology and branding strategy. However, in 2021, his academic reputation was overshadowed by a serious lawsuit that alleged inappropriate behavior and abuse of power toward one of his student assistants.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed by a former student and employee at USC, claimed that Professor Park sexually harassed and assaulted her during her time working under his supervision. The plaintiff alleged that Park made unwanted advances, engaged in inappropriate conduct, and used his position of authority to intimidate her.
According to the complaint, these incidents took place over several years, and the university was accused of ignoring earlier warnings and complaints. The lawsuit argued that USC failed to properly investigate the allegations and allowed Park to continue working despite reports of misconduct.
USC was named as a co-defendant in the case because the university allegedly “knew or should have known” about Park’s behavior and did not take adequate action to protect students. This claim pointed to broader institutional responsibility and failures in the university’s Title IX procedures, which are designed to prevent sex discrimination and harassment.
USC’s Response and Institutional Accountability
After the lawsuit became public, USC stated that it took the allegations seriously and that it was committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. The university emphasized that it has established processes for handling Title IX complaints and that investigations are carried out confidentially.
However, critics argued that the university’s response was slow and insufficient. Many questioned whether institutions like USC sometimes prioritize reputation and financial protection over the welfare of their students. The C.W. Park case reignited discussions about how power dynamics in academia can silence victims and make it difficult for them to come forward.
The Settlement and Outcome
In 2023, after years of legal back-and-forth, the lawsuit reportedly reached a confidential settlement. Although the specific terms were not made public, the case was effectively closed. For many observers, however, the settlement did not end the conversation—it only highlighted the urgent need for systemic reform in university policies.
Settlements often mean that neither side admits wrongdoing, but they can also serve as a sign that institutions want to move past the controversy quietly. While the legal chapter of the case may be over, the moral and ethical questions it raised continue to resonate across the academic world.
Broader Implications of the Case
The C.W. Park lawsuit holds several important lessons for both universities and society:
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Power Imbalance in Academia
Professors hold significant influence over students’ academic and professional futures. When this power is abused, it creates an unsafe environment that discourages victims from speaking out. -
Institutional Responsibility
Universities must ensure that all complaints are taken seriously and that investigations are transparent and fair. Ignoring early signs of misconduct can lead to lasting damage to both individuals and the institution’s credibility. -
Cultural and Gender Sensitivity
The case also shed light on how cultural and gender dynamics can make it harder for victims—especially international or minority students—to report abuse. -
The Need for Reform
Beyond punishment, there must be a focus on prevention. Universities should strengthen ethics training, enforce zero-tolerance policies for harassment, and create safe, accessible reporting systems for students and staff.
Conclusion
The C.W. Park USC lawsuit is more than a scandal—it is a wake-up call for higher education. It reminds us that academic excellence must never come at the cost of human dignity and safety. For universities like USC, true prestige is not just about research or rankings but about integrity, trust, and accountability.
While the settlement may have closed the legal file, the lessons it carries should continue to shape how educational institutions protect their students, support victims, and hold those in power accountable. The story of C.W. Park and USC stands as a powerful reminder that ethical responsibility must always remain at the heart of education.