The leader of Catholic University’s school of social work is stepping down from the role, the university announced last week. While William Rainford will no longer serve as dean, he will remain at the school as a tenured member of the faculty.

Rainford was suspended in September after tweeting disparaging comments about women who accused Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault. University President John Garvey said at the time that the missives “demonstrated a lack of sensitivity,” but expressed support for the dean to return after a semester-long suspension.

One tweet accused one of Kavanaugh’s accusers of being the perpetrator of sexual assault. Rainford apologized, calling it “impulsive and thoughtless,” and deleted his Twitter account, which made several references to Catholic University.

Dozens of students protested and called for his removal. “There are students all over the campus who may feel less inclined to report sexual assault,” Anthony Hain, a second-year student in the social work masters program, told DCist at the time. “If it is the head of the school training therapists who respond to trauma that is causing that unsafe environment, then we have a real problem.”

Rainford tendered his resignation on November 20. “I do so with all good will for the University and School,” he said in a letter to Garvey. “Given the needs of the faculty and direction of the School, I believe a different academic leader is warranted.”

Garvey praised Rainford’s leadership in a statement, noting his efforts to launch an online program and disassociate from the National Association of Social Workers over its stance on abortion.

After a sabbatical during the spring semester, Rainford will return to the staff as a professor.