York U. Centre for Practical Ethics Symposium to Grapple with Complex Question: Can Sexual Relations Between Students and Faculty Ever Be Acceptable?

TORONTO, November 17, 1999 -- In the wake of last month's B.C. Human Rights Tribunal decision which found a university professor guilty of creating a sexualized environment, and given the temper of the times, universities across North America are taking a fresh look at whether they have the appropriate policies in place to promote learning environments free of sexual harassment -- or if they are equipped to deal with transgressions of this type.

During the second symposium in a series on Ethics in the University, hosted by York University's Centre for Practical Ethics and McLaughlin College, a panel of three leading university experts will draw upon recent newsworthy cases of sexual harassment at universities, review York's own policies in this area, and examine the current debate over such questions as: Are sexual relations between students and faculty acceptable? What are the inherent risks in these relationships for faculty and students?

The symposium, which will be held Thurs., Nov. 18, 1999, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., McLaughlin Junior Common Room (Room 014) McLaughlin College, York University, is entitled Consensual Sexual Relations between Students and Faculty.

Chaired by York Prof. David Shugarman, Director of the Centre for Practical Ethics, the symposium will feature experts who will draw from their respected disciplines and expertise: Shirley Katz, Office of the Counsel at York University and humanities professor; York philosophy Prof. Susan Dimock; and York psychology Prof. Harvey Brooker. They will speak to how student-faculty relationships can affect the climate in a classroom and raise questions about the potential problems when these relationships end.

"York University strives to provide an environment where all students, faculty and staff are able to learn, study, teach and work, free from sexual harassment," said Katz. "Relationships between students and professors is a very complex and contentious issue. The purpose of this symposium is to provide an open forum to examine the ethical implications of these relationships and where the line should be drawn to ensure that a sexual harassment-free learning environment is maintained."

A symposium on Conflict of Interest was held in October. Future symposia in the series will look at: Commercialization of the University (Jan., 2000) and International Research Settings and Human Rights (Feb., 2000).

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For more information, please contact:

Prof. David Shugarman
Director, Centre for Practical Ethics
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 77083
email: dshugar@yorku.ca

Ken Turriff
Media Relations Officer
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
email: kturriff@yorku.ca
YU/125/99