Some institutions of higher education have adopted policies prohibiting sexual harassment and set out procedures for resolving complaints and grievances. Until it is eliminated and becomes a taboo practice, there must exist some legal protection for both victims and unintended accomplices. (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.…

Ruling in "Franklin," the Supreme Court found in favor of a high school student who alleged that she had been subjected to sexual harassment in violation of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Inquires about the nature and scope of damages available under Title IX. Concludes with policy considerations for administrators. (MLF)

A court decision allowing monetary damages for intentional violations of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is seen as dramatically changing enforcement of the principal federal law against sex discrimination. Its treatment of sexual harassment is also considered. Implications for Title IX enforcement in colleges and universities are…

This article discusses practical guidance on schools' legal rights and responsibilities with respect to students, programs, and curriculum. Like all other individuals, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students are guaranteed equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution and free speech and association under the…

As in most workplaces, sexual harassment has been an issue of significant magnitude in educational institutions as well. It has left the education community with many questions about what constitutes sexual harassment, how to prevent it, and how to deal with the legal problems that may arise concerning it. This report dispels several myths about…

This booklet on sexual harassment on college campuses covers sexual harassment law, harassment prevention, protection from liability, and handling allegations. Chapter 1, "What Is Sexual Harassment?" defines the term and gives an overview of sexual harassment law. Chapter 2, "How Does Sexual Harassment Law Apply in Actual Situations?" illustrates…

With the advent of the Internet and computer technology, today's students enjoy access to every part of the globe. Communications that once took weeks are now instantaneous. This is a far different world from the one most school administrators grew up in and, in most cases, it is an area where the knowledge of students far exceeds that of…

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…

This report discusses how to end name-calling in schools, examining derogatory expressions commonly used to refer to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. Anti-LGBT slurs have become the insult of choice in today's schools, which takes a toll on LGBT students who hear the slurs endlessly and take them personally. Research shows…

Reviewed 52 court cases to determine standards set by the courts for establishing a claim of sexual harassment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Examined the gender-based nature of sexual harassment at work, employment-related consequences, and the extent of employer liability for acts of their employees. (Author)

The scope of school board liability for student misconduct is broadening. The U.S. Supreme Court found that school officials are responsible for student-on-student harassment when they have knowledge of the acts, act with deliberate indifference, and the harassment deprives the victim of access to education. This rationale is consistent with…

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)

The Supreme Court decision in "Davis" added a fiscal incentive to school districts to prevent peer sexual harassment by ruling that educational institutions that show deliberate indifference to known harassment between students may be liable for the resultant damages. (Contains 212 references.) (MLF)