Many post-secondary institutions have implemented mandatory reporting (MR) requiring employees to report knowledge of sexual misconduct. Understanding employee perceptions (e.g., benefits/drawbacks) and experiences (e.g., reporting disclosure) is important given this responsibility. Accordingly, this study analyzes responses from a recent survey…

Retaliation in any form can result in a range of negative consequences for those who experience it either directly or indirectly. Individuals can experience limitations in the opportunities to contribute and advance in their career, and they may feel as if their only response to the adversity is to leave the field. When an institution allows such…

Consensual sexual relationships between students and faculty have traditionally been viewed as private matters and have been ignored by university administrators except in cases that resulted in sexual harassment claims. Due to increasing sexual harassment litigation and the liabilities associated with such relationships, universities have…

Several recent incidents have brought national attention to issues involving male professors and sexual-harassment policies on campuses. Allegations of harassment can involve high stakes for the accused, with dismissal as a possible penalty. Criminal charges for harassment, in contrast to assault, are rare. Within an institution, people accused of…

Reviews the history of Title IX and the various liability standards adopted by the federal courts. Provides a critical review of the "Gebser v. Lago Vista" decision and concludes that the Court's institutional liability standard is that actual knowledge is the most appropriate and legally sound standard of liability for…

Increased willingness to speak out about sexual harassment has several implications for the academic community. Faculty must behave carefully at all times, understand the risk of having a relationship with a student, and avoid sexual overtures. Recent court decisions offer some guidelines for conduct and for determination if harassment exists.…

To protect itself against liability each college and university should draft, implement and enforce a sexual harassment policy. The problem of sexual harassment on campus is discussed; the legal rights and remedies of the student and of the faculty member are detailed, as well as the university's potential liability. (Author/MLW)

The College of William and Mary (Virginia) has filed a complaint in federal court against a professor, saying he should be liable for damages stemming from sexual-harassment litigation by a student. The move indicates concern among institutions that sexual-harassment liability remain with the perpetrators, not the institution. (MSE)

This book addresses the difficult topic of faculty-student sexual involvement, examining it through both faculty and student perspectives and raising the need to address the problem of relationships in which male faculty needs supersede female students' educational goals. Chapter 1 examines various perspectives of faculty-student sexual…

Changes in sexual harassment theory, including those in the Supreme Court decision of Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson, are discussed. The use of the equal protection clause, Title IX, and tort law are described. Policies and complaint procedures that colleges should develop to encourage the reporting of sexual harassment are outlined. (Author/MLW)

There is a growing concern about the legality of "unwelcome" though possibly consensual faculty-student sexual relationships. The case law on sexual harassment is summarized and the responses offered by a sample of colleges and universities are analyzed. (MLW)

To forestall sexual harassment law suits, higher education institutions should (1) adopt a position on faculty/student amorous relationships; (2) state clearly how complaints are handled and by whom; (3) actively educate faculty, staff, and students concerning sexual harassment; and (4) follow up any complaints and keep records of the responses.…

This pamphlet abstracts from the National Association of College and University Attorneys'"Sexual Harassment on Campus: A Legal Compendium," Third Edition, suggestions for administrators and others on conducting an appropriate and timely sexual harassment investigation. Specific topics covered are: (1) "Conducting an Appropriate and Timely…

Sexual harassment incidents on college campuses, sometimes accompanied by litigation, raise complex questions about the institution's responsibilities, including counseling for victim and accused, employment status of accused faculty, aggressiveness of investigations, staff training policies, complaint procedures, and institutional liability. (MSE)

Examines motivations prompting colleges and universities to adopt consensual relationship policies. Considers the continuum of standards available and contemplates the form of potential legal challenges. Concludes that clearly grounding a policy to a school's educational mission results in a policy arguably better able to withstand legal scrutiny.…