Two graduate students at Caltech complained that they were being sexually harassed by their advisor…and the administration took them seriously!
The Institute followed its formal procedures for evaluating the allegations and per policy the allegations were communicated to the chair of the division. This resulted in a comprehensive investigation of the situation by a faculty committee that reported to the provost. The faculty committee concluded, and the provost concurred, that there was unambiguous gender-based harassment of both graduate students by the faculty member. The faculty member was placed on unpaid leave for a full academic year, and he is restricted from coming on campus. Importantly, in order to make sure that the two students involved and other students are protected against continuation or new instances of such behavior – while also endeavoring to ensure that their academic progress is not adversely affected – communications between the faculty member and members of his group are being carefully monitored. In addition to these professional and financial sanctions, the suspended faculty member must undergo professional coaching and training in how to mentor students before returning to campus. A demonstrable change in behavior and mentoring approach will be required before unmonitored interactions with students can resume. Structural changes in the division’s advising approach are being put in place to ensure that students are properly and effectively mentored. The faculty member appealed these imposed disciplinary actions, but the appeal was denied.
Ouch. First thing I noticed was the penalty: no pay for a year, and booted off campus. If the faculty member was sufficiently prestigious, they may have multiple appointments at other campus so it isn’t the total kiss of death, but still, that’s harsh. Which is good.
The other thing, though, is that it’s not just about slapping down Dr. Handsy — it’s also about making institutional changes that help these students and others. Read the rest of the memo, especially the part about instituting changes in the divisions of the college. That’s how you do it.
What’s the point of getting power and prestige if you can’t use it to exploit your subordinates for sexual gratification?
:Gathers jaw back up: Godsdamn, that’s how to do it, always, every time. Way to go, Caltech!
PZ:
If I had been wearing socks, they would have been impressed right off.
Wow, they are looking at the graduate student experience from the ground up. It will be interesting to see the what changes are implemented.
Okay, but what happens to the complainants? They’re out on an advisor. Do they take a break, switch advisors, or switch careers? As a grad student, I’ve never had reason to complain about my advisor, but it strikes me that the scariest thing about it is that one’s advisor is not easily replaceable. The Caltech press release does not explain the fate of the grad students, which is not very reassuring to future complainants.
Siggy@5: In some fields it’s pretty normal to move (computer science for example), and it’s no more traumatic than switching jobs — at worst you’re set back a few months due to moving between institutions and having requirements not quite match up, at best there’s just an uncomfortable conversation to have.
In others fields (psych, I’ve heard) it’s normal for your advisor to submarine your chances so you can switch to someone new who dislikes your ex-advisor. But that only works if you advisor has power in the community.
I hope these students are either in the former category, or that the very public censure destroys the ex-advisor’s power.
Okay, but what happens to the complainants? They’re out on an advisor. Do they take a break, switch advisors, or switch careers?
Well, when you’re at the point where you’re ready to complain about your advisor, you’re ready to break something. Getting the advisor out of there might be the best thing possible.
Sounds like he may still be advising – just off campus and under supervision.
Done Especially Impressively.
WAY TO GO!!! Caltech officially rocks!
Even though the events leading up to this is tragic their response will keep me smiling for a long time.
I’m very familiar with the Cal Tech campus, since my daughter is an alumna.
I’m not surprised at all at this, Cal Tech is very serious about their honor code, for all students, faculty and staff.
Everyone there is treated fairly and respectfully.
I’m proud that we are a Cal Tech family. My daughter is already recruiting her nieces and nephews.
I wish they would stop hosting Michael Shermer’s bimonthly Skeptic Society lectures.
I think it also important to point out, before the sea lions show up, the part about the comprehensive investigation *before* action was taken. Sounds to me like a true effort to keep it fair for all sides.
blf@9: heh, I see what you did there.
My gob has been smacked.
blf@9: Frightfully effective, in fact.
mithrandir@16, I see what you did!
Mind. Blown.