University Settles Harrassment Suit for $225,000
Harassment suits can be difficult to prove at times. However, there are times when the evidence in a case can't be refuted or ignored. Take for instance a recent case mentioned in an article by Randy Ludlow of the Columbus Dispatch. The case involves Ohio University settling an outstanding sexual harassment suit brought by a student against a former professor for $225,000. According to a University spokesperson, Joe Brennan, the former student, who has since graduated, will receive $100,000 from the university and $125,000 from its insurer. The student informed the University of the professor's unwelcome advances in 2003. In 2005, the professor was suspended and later resigned during the investigation. University officials later concluded that the professor "engaged in a pervasive pattern of questionable conduct" over several years that involved more than one student.
Reportedly, Ohio University settled another unrelated sexual-harassment case, for $350,000 in 2005 to a student who said she was coerced into posing topless by a former director of the School of Visual Communication.
Hopefully, these cases will send a stern warning to members of the Academic Community that sexual harassment claims are taken seriously.
