Should people in positions of authority resign because of sexual misconduct allegations?

This position holds that authority is a trust held on conditions, so an unresolved allegation of sexual misconduct is reason to step aside. On this view resignation is not a verdict but a recognition that the role cannot be exercised under it.

This position holds that resigning on an allegation alone abandons the presumption of innocence in practice. On this view the proper response is a prompt process with interim measures, since a resignation is read as guilt and is seldom undone.