John L. Comaroff

John L. Comaroff (born 1 January 1945) is a retired professor of African and African American Studies and of anthropology. He is recognized for his study of African and African-American society. Comaroff and his wife, anthropologist Jean Comaroff, have collaborated on publications examining post-colonialism and the Tswana people of South Africa. He has written several texts describing his research and has presented peer-reviewed anthropological theories of African cultures that have relevance to understanding global society. In 2020, Comaroff was placed on paid administrative leave from his position at Harvard University after allegations of sexual harassment. In January 2022 he was placed on unpaid leave before resuming teaching in September. In 2023, a student lawsuit against Harvard for inadequately responding to the allegations moved to mediation before being settled in 2024. The same year, the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences extended a one-time retirement option to all tenured professors aged 73 and above. Comaroff took advantage of this opportunity, formally notifying Harvard on March 8. His retirement became effective on June 30, 2024.