ROCHESTER, N.Y. — More than 350 college professors from across the country have signed an open letter encouraging students to avoid attending the University of Rochester in the wake of sexual harassment claims against a U of R professor.

The online letter takes aim at college President Joel Seligman, who it says failed to adequately respond to claims of sexual harassment by professor Florian Jaeger.

Jaeger has been suspended from teaching in the department of brain and cognitive sciences department this semester and remains on leave.

The open letter says in part:

"The UR has abrogated its ultimate responsibility to protect and advance the interests of its most important constituency – its students – by supporting the predator and intimidating the victims and advocates in this case. We strenuously object to the UR’s treatment of our respected colleagues."

The U of R issued a statement in response, saying it's taken the matter seriously from the start:

"In addition to conducting our own thorough investigation, we have taken several steps to review the University’s approach to sexual misconduct.

We are awaiting the report of an independent investigation into both the specific allegations and the University’s policies and procedures."

The U of R has also hired Mary Jo White, a former United States attorney to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.