Campus Files: The Robinson Center
Episode Release Date: August 13, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Robinson Center," Campus Files delves deep into the darker underbelly of the University of Washington's prestigious Young Scholars Program. Hosted by Margo Gray, the podcast uncovers disturbing allegations ranging from sexual misconduct to systemic failures in safeguarding young students. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and revelations presented by reporter Manisha Jha.

The Robinson Center: Reality vs. Fiction

The episode opens with a reference to a 1982 made-for-TV movie, An Innocent Love, which portrayed the Robinson Center—a real program at the University of Washington (UW) designed for exceptionally gifted students as young as 14. While the movie framed the center as a heartwarming environment with a fictional romance plot, the reality, as uncovered in this episode, is far more complex and troubling.

Manisha Jha [01:54]: "If you're going to take on the responsibility of putting kids in college, you have to take on the responsibility of keeping them safe."

This quote underscores the central theme of the episode: the juxtaposition of a revered academic institution against the backdrop of neglect and abuse within its specialized programs.

Manisha Jha: From Student to Journalist

Manisha Jha, an alumna of UW, serves as the primary investigator in this narrative. Her journey began in 2016 when she enrolled as a freshman, driven by a legacy of education within her family. Initially focused solely on academics, Manisha's perspective shifted as she became involved with the school newspaper, The Daily Spotlight.

Manisha Jha [04:05]: "I was just so focused on my grades, and I got to the end of my freshman year and I was like, I have a nearly perfect GPA and absolutely no friends or hobbies."

Her first significant reporting piece on the Stop the Bleed campaign marked the beginning of her passion for journalism, particularly in public health.

Manisha Jha [05:26]: "I realized I could do public health by writing about it and being a journalist."

This realization set the stage for her subsequent focus on uncovering sexual assault and harassment within the university.

Unveiling Sexual Assault Issues at UW

By her sophomore year, Manisha had embraced her role at the newspaper, covering critical issues such as sexual health and, eventually, sexual assault. Her reporting coincided with national conversations around the MeToo movement and high-profile cases like Brett Kavanaugh’s sexual assault allegations.

Manisha Jha [07:14]: "It was a little overwhelming being a young student at the university, looking around, realizing that, like, sexual assault was something that was pretty pervasive for my friends."

This pervasive issue on campus motivated her to listen to and elevate the stories of survivors, aiming to shed light on the ongoing problem despite existing knowledge and preventive measures.

Investigating the "List of Rapists"

A pivotal moment in Manisha's investigation occurred when she received an email titled "List of Rapists. At UW." This unauthorized and unvetted list became a catalyst for her deep dive into the systemic issues within the Robinson Center.

Manisha Jha [15:33]: "That's what blown my mind about this."

Manisha's approach involved reaching out directly to those named on the list. Her persistent efforts led to varied responses, including one individual who admitted to sexual misconduct.

Manisha Jha [13:03]: "I was really sorry. I didn't quite realize what I was doing when I did it. But he admitted it."

These interactions highlighted the severity of the issues and the challenges in verifying such allegations without substantial evidence.

The Story of Dr. John Saar

Manisha's investigative efforts reached a significant turning point when she uncovered the case of Dr. John Saar, a tenured professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Dr. Saar, who served as the interim director of the Robinson Center from 2008 to 2010, was found to have engaged in inappropriate conduct with two students, including a 17-year-old undergraduate.

Manisha Jha [21:25]: "It took 10 years for this to come to light and for him to be put on leave."

Despite the clear evidence, it took a decade for the university to address the misconduct, raising questions about the institution's commitment to protecting its youngest scholars.

University Response and Consequences

Following the publication of Manisha's article on December 5, 2019, the University of Washington responded by expressing deep concern over the allegations and promised a thorough review of the Robinson Center's operations. However, subsequent developments raised doubts about the effectiveness of these measures.

Manisha Jha [25:32]: "When it comes to the Robinson center and programs like it, I still isn't sure. Should middle schoolers ever be on a college campus?"

The resignation of the Robinson Center's director and the appointment of a new director, who publicly claimed improvements, did little to quell ongoing reports from current students about persistent issues. Manisha's continued engagement with students revealed that many problems remained unaddressed.

Manisha Jha [25:56]: "I have been told many, many times over that it is the same."

Ongoing Concerns and Reflections

Manisha's journey with this story was both professionally and emotionally taxing. The responsibility of reporting on traumatic experiences shared by very young students weighed heavily on her, leading to her eventual departure from the newspaper.

Manisha Jha [26:24]: "I was really stressed and I think it was a lot for some of the other editors that I worked with."

Reflecting on the broader implications, Manisha does not condemn the concept of gifted programs but emphasizes the necessity of ensuring that such environments are safe and supportive for all students.

Manisha Jha [26:59]: "I don't have any normative judgments about the concept of kids being on campus. If you're really, really smart and you really like school, you should be given all the opportunities in the world. And school shouldn't hurt you."

Her advocacy continues through educational lectures and ongoing communication with current Robinson Center students, highlighting the enduring impact of her reporting.

Conclusion

"The Robinson Center" episode of Campus Files serves as a compelling investigation into the failures of a prestigious academic program meant to foster young talent. Through Manisha Jha's meticulous reporting, listeners gain insight into the systemic issues that allowed abusive behaviors to persist unchecked. The episode not only sheds light on past and present injustices but also poses critical questions about the future of specialized educational programs and the responsibilities of institutions to protect their most vulnerable members.

Notable Quotes

• Manisha Jha [02:00]: "If you're going to take on the responsibility of putting kids in college, you have to take on the responsibility of keeping them safe."

• Manisha Jha [04:05]: "I have a nearly perfect GPA and absolutely no friends or hobbies."

• Manisha Jha [07:14]: "Sexual assault was something that was pretty pervasive for my friends."

• Manisha Jha [13:03]: "He admitted it on the record, that he sexually assaulted someone and that it was on the website."

• Manisha Jha [25:56]: "Should middle schoolers ever be on a college campus?"

This detailed summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the "The Robinson Center" episode, capturing the critical elements and emotional depth of the investigative report. For those seeking to understand the complexities and challenges within specialized educational programs, this episode offers an eye-opening exploration of institutional accountability and the imperative to protect young scholars.