THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT QUIZ
The correct response to Question #9 is : FALSE
Affairs, even consensual ones, often end with one party angry at the the other. This kind of situation can easily result in one party "taking it out" on the other party in the working environment, which may lead to claims of harassment.
Claims that a relationship has been consensual are unlikely to protect individuals from charges of sexual harassment, nor will they guarantee a successful defense if charges are made. Faculty and supervisors should keep in mind that a student or subordinate's initial consent does not preclude a charge of sexual harassment in the future. When power differentials exist, charges of sexual harassment will be difficult to refute on the grounds of mutual consent.
At Swarthmore College, consensual relationships between employees where one has control or authority over the other are strictly prohibited.
The following College policies apply where one individual does have influence or control over the other:
A. Staff Supervisor-Subordinate
Romantic or intimate relationships in which one individual has influence or control over the other's conditions of employment such as pay, performance evaluation, hiring, or discharge are prohibited.
B. Faculty Supervisor-Subordinate
Faculty members who are involved in consensual relationships are expected to remove themselves from any activity or evaluation that may reward or punish the other individual. There may be occasions when comment from one of the parties involved in a consensual relationship is deemed necessary. In that case, either party should consult the appropriate senior staff member (a Provost) to determine a procedure that will best maintain the integrity of the evaluative or supervisory process. Faculty members should be aware that even if they are not currently in an evaluative or supervisory position over a particular individual, they may be in such a position at a future date. A faculty member's failure to respect these standards may constitute unprofessional conduct.
C. Faculty or Staff - Student
It is further prohibited for a staff or faculty member to engage in a romantic relationship with a student. Failure to adhere to these standards constitutes unprofessional conduct.
