NCJ Number
164284
Date Published
1996
Length
23 pages
Annotation
University consensual sexual relationship policies were introduced in American colleges and universities in the early 1980's after it became apparent that sexual harassment policies were inadequate to address the problems inherent in faculty- student consensual sexual relationships.
Abstract
Problems associated with faculty-student consensual sexual relationships concern faculty ethical obligations, favoritism, and detrimental consequences of such relationships on students. Sexual harassment policies tend to focus on coercive sexual advances and repeated, unwanted sexual invitations and tend to ignore conflict of interest issues and the implied coercion involved in a professor's power over a student. Therefore, consensual sexual relationship policies can be implemented to address unethical behavior of professors that is not adequately covered by sexual harassment policies. Surveys indicate, however, that consensual sexual relationship policies are relatively rare in the university setting and that appropriate policymaking about consensual sexual relationships is complicated by a diverse range of sexual relationships and motivations. Types and purposes of existing university consensual sexual relationship policies are detailed, with a distinction made between prohibition, discouragement, and total ban policies. Consideration is also paid to potential conflict of interest policies, disciplinary actions against offending professors, false complaints against professors, student consent and sexual harassment charges, and individual civil rights. 54 references