A minefield where even angels would fear to tread – not that I am saying that the University of Connecticut is being foolish. In fact it is a move that many other Universities have already implemented.
Following the sexual misconduct and child molestation charges against a UConn professor, the University has taken the step of trying to define “romantic relationships” and what is permissible and what is not by adopting a new “Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Inappropriate Romantic Relationships”.
Bustle: The University of Connecticut has officially banned romantic relationships between students and faculty members in their “Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Inappropriate Romantic Relationships.”
.. The Hartford Courant reports that UConn is defining romantic relationships fairly broadly, quoting Associate Vice President Elizabeth Conklin:
“Romantic is a term of art under the policy — but it is any sexual, intimate, amorous proposal or encounter. The relationship can be once, it can be short term, it can be long term, it can be a marriage — everything in between,” she said. “The intent is to capture it all … When you see it, you know it.”
Undergraduate relationships with faculty are totally banned, while graduate student-faculty relationships are a no-go only if the faculty member is in a position of power over the graduate student. So, in other words, I guess a chemistry grad student could have a relationship with an English professor, as long as they don’t have any kind of professional relationship.
“The power difference between faculty and staff as compared to students means that any romantic relationship between a faculty or staff member and a student is potentially exploitative or could at any time be perceived as exploitative,” Herbst said.
A romantic relationship, as defined by the policy, “doesn’t have to involve champagne and flowers ……
In the wake of the still-unfolding Miller scandal, UConn said that even suspected relationships may fall under scrutiny.
“Deans, department heads, directors and supervisors should exercise great caution when choosing not to report a rumor of discrimination, harassment or inappropriate romantic relationships,” the university advised.
However, the university will not try to force the breakup of preexisting romantic relationships that would be banned under the new policy. But it will require any employee involved in one to report it within three months of Wednesday’s action by the trustees.
“The faculty member, staff member or graduate student in a position of authority must declare the existence of the relationship to the Office of Diversity and Equity … or the Office of Faculty and Staff Labor Relations,” according to a fact sheet released by UConn.
Also, the university said: “The appropriate dean or vice president … will consider whether steps can be taken to eliminate or minimize the conflict. … All parties will be told that not all conflicts can be eliminated, potentially limiting career or academic options for both of the parties involved in the relationship.”
The k2p blog 