External Investigation
Sexual Abuse Helpline for Columbia University: Operated by RAINN
As part of our ongoing commitment to support survivors, Columbia has worked with RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence nonprofit, to establish a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline for survivors, their loved ones, and others seeking assistance. The trauma-informed helpline specialists offer support in English and en Español through telephone, chat, text, and WhatsApp.
Because developing a full and accurate understanding of the circumstances and behavior that allowed Hadden’s exploitation of patients to persist for so many years is was essential for survivors and for the University, Columbia has named an outside investigator, Joan Loughnane, a partner at Sidley Austin LLP who previously served in a variety of leadership positions in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, to lead an external investigation.
We asked Ms. Loughnane to understand what allowed Hadden’s misconduct to continue for so long—and to make recommendations to ensure we have the policies and procedures in place to prevent this from ever happening again. The investigation was conducted in a manner that allowed survivors and others with knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Hadden’s misconduct to share their stories confidentially.
About Joan Loughnane
Joan Loughnane is a partner at Sidley Austin, LLP. Prior to joining Sidley, she served in leadership positions in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The external investigation is now complete.
A letter to the Columbia University community.
Updated 3/10/2026