Spring Break
Sexual harassment case details may remain unpublished
Actions against professors seem possible
Derek Simons
Issue date: 2/11/08 Section: News
"Attorneys tell us [about] personnel issues, personnel files," Bailey said. "We're both helped and hindered by that. In this case, it's probably a big hindrance to us, but that's just how it is."
Ebersole suggested one option that wouldn't conflict with privacy regulations.
"We can, when the timing is right, re-emphasize again the university's commitment to a policy that respects all people and that there will be no discrimination, sexual harassment or intimidation of any sort," Ebersole said.
As the discussion of the issue was drawing to an end, Ebersole and Bailey mentioned outcomes seeming to indicate the two professors involved in the case might be facing the Campus Faculty Committee on Tenure.
"At this point, it's behind the scenes activity, which, I have to tell you - if accommodation can be reached at that level and the case is settled, it's much better than the alternative, which would be moving into the faculty process," Ebersole said.
"Has this university ever had that process take place?" Bailey asked.
"Not within living memory," Ebersole said.
The committee has the jurisdiction to hear any case involving the dismissal of a faculty member for cause. Until very recently, committee members listed on the Faculty Senate Web site dated back several years. There is now a new list of appointees, all serving for 2007-08.
"I have to say, it's a tough thing on the faculty which is involved," Bailey said. "I went through one in San Antonio, which, in many respects, we had an open and shut deal. But that didn't make it any less difficult."
The two then mentioned a case which received national attention involving Professor Ward Churchill. Churchill was fired from his position at the University of Colorado in 2007 for academic misconduct. Ebersole noted it took four years to resolve Churchill's case.
"That's a messy case," Bailey said.
dsimons@unews.com
Ebersole suggested one option that wouldn't conflict with privacy regulations.
"We can, when the timing is right, re-emphasize again the university's commitment to a policy that respects all people and that there will be no discrimination, sexual harassment or intimidation of any sort," Ebersole said.
As the discussion of the issue was drawing to an end, Ebersole and Bailey mentioned outcomes seeming to indicate the two professors involved in the case might be facing the Campus Faculty Committee on Tenure.
"At this point, it's behind the scenes activity, which, I have to tell you - if accommodation can be reached at that level and the case is settled, it's much better than the alternative, which would be moving into the faculty process," Ebersole said.
"Has this university ever had that process take place?" Bailey asked.
"Not within living memory," Ebersole said.
The committee has the jurisdiction to hear any case involving the dismissal of a faculty member for cause. Until very recently, committee members listed on the Faculty Senate Web site dated back several years. There is now a new list of appointees, all serving for 2007-08.
"I have to say, it's a tough thing on the faculty which is involved," Bailey said. "I went through one in San Antonio, which, in many respects, we had an open and shut deal. But that didn't make it any less difficult."
The two then mentioned a case which received national attention involving Professor Ward Churchill. Churchill was fired from his position at the University of Colorado in 2007 for academic misconduct. Ebersole noted it took four years to resolve Churchill's case.
"That's a messy case," Bailey said.
dsimons@unews.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 7
On the other hand
posted 2/11/08 @ 4:57 PM CST
Could the lack of openness have anything to do with the fact the second investigation uncovered extreme unethical behavior on the part of the accusor eerily reeminiscent of the Duke Lacrosse accusor and the university further realizes that they paid out 1. (Continued…)
DW
posted 2/22/08 @ 3:10 PM CST
If the students of UMKC and the citizens of Kansas City would be as quick to jump on the university for not disclosing this information (see previous comment) as they were when the outlandish sexual discrimination lawsuit came out, there might be a chance to see what a blunder the university has made. (Continued…)
On the other hand and where's the fire now - you're funny!
posted 4/04/08 @ 9:29 PM CST
You're funny, On the other hand and where's the fire...
The investigation that led to the settlement involved all statements under oath and individuals in the depositions provided proof. (Continued…)
Duke LaCrosse
posted 4/07/08 @ 9:10 PM CST
More misinformation of course. Do you know everyone was deposed or provided sworn statements? No, you do not. Do you even know how many people were interviewed for the lawsuit. (Continued…)
The truth is out there
posted 4/08/08 @ 12:30 AM CST
Well said - This person obviously doesn't know what has gone on. The truth of this massive blunder by UMKC will continue to play out in the coming months. (Continued…)
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