Fishbowl Exclusive: The fallout from the sexual misconduct allegations that forced Rep. Eric Swalwell out of Congress and the California gubernatorial race has followed him to Baltimore and the school where he earned a law degree.
Swalwell, a 45-year-old Democrat, has been placed on leave from the Board of Visitors of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. He has been a member of the board since 2023.
“Mr. Swalwell was not asked to leave the Board. He was placed on a leave of absence pending the resolution of his legal issues,” Alex Likowski, spokesman for the university, said in an email.
The law school describes the Board of Visitors as “distinguished alumni and friends who advise the Dean on topics ranging from proposals for new academic programs to the hiring of senior administrators to state and local political issues affecting the law school. … The Board contributes substantially to development and alumni relations, and we are grateful for their generosity.”
According to an April 15 email to board members from Renée Hutchins Laurent, the law school’s dean, board chair Tamika Tremaglio made repeated attempts to speak with Swalwell, but did not receive a response.
“His Board status will remain inactive unless a material change in circumstances leads the Board to revisit this decision,” Hutchins Laurent wrote. “I recognize the gravity of these allegations and the pain they cause. Our principles require that survivors be heard and treated with dignity, and that matters of alleged misconduct proceed through appropriate and fair processes. As I continue to monitor developments, I will notify you of any material changes.”
An Iowa native, Salwell received his undergraduate degree in government from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2003. He then attended the law school in Baltimore, receiving his Juris Doctor in 2006.
After moving to California, Swalwell was employed as a prosecutor and served in local government. He was first elected to Congress, as the representative from California’s 15th District, in 2012.
An outspoken critic of the Trump administration, Swalwell has been accused of sexual assault by a former congressional staff member and with sexual harassment by four other women. While steadfastly denying the allegations, he suspended his quest for governor and resigned from the House of Representatives on April 14 under intense pressure from fellow Democrats and supporters of his campaign.
