The University of Anywhere has been debating a controversial plan that would ban sexual relationships between professors and undergraduates. The proposal has led to heated discussions on the campus, not only about sexual harassment and power but also about privacy, maturity, and love.

While some colleges have policies restricting such behavior, Anywhere's plan is thought to be more sweeping than most. It would prevent professors from becoming intimately involved with any undergraduate, not just with those in their classes or departments.

The plan, initiated by an advisory committee on women's issues, also would forbid professors to make overtures or have sexual relationships with graduate students who are in their courses, under their supervision, or enrolled in programs in the same department. Teaching assistants could not become involved with students as they teach.

Chronicle of Higher Education

14 April, 1993

Guidelines for Discussion:

Assign participants a role or character to play during the discussion period, with the following instructions:

At an appropriate time in the discussion, make a comment that supports the positions of the "party/character" you represent as marked. It might be more effective not to disclose your role (Is that ethical?) If you find your role too repugnant, please ask someone else to do it.

ROLES:

1. You are a student who feels that another student is receiving more favorable treatment (better grades, etc.) because of a romantic involvement with the professor.

2. You are a very attractive and quite creative student who is willing to "bargain" for a better and an easier grade. You believe other students are just jealous; after all, most of the faculty have been very receptive and cooperative.

3. You are a member of the general public, or of an advisory committee, or an administrator. You believe some or all of the following:

a. Relationships are "inherently destructive" of an environment in which students can grow and learn.

b. Truly consensual relationships between faculty and students do not exist.

c. The role of "teacher" is in direct conflict with the role of "lover."

4. You are the "Legal Advisor" for the college - a law professor. Because the policy is designed to prevent conflict of interest, it would not infringe on constitutional privacy rights. Nepotism laws--also designed to prevent conflicts of interest, have consistently been upheld in the courts.

5. You are a faculty union representative, and a number of your faculty members tell you that it is none of the College's business what consenting adults do.

Additional thoughts:

"One does not hang civil liberties on a peg outside the college."

"The College is just trying to patronize the activist on campus."

"Even the 'Feminist Scholars' are divided on this issue."

"You personally know quite a few students who feel comfortable with their relationships with faculty members."

Questions:

Is it wrong for students and teachers to date?

Does the college really have a right to interfere in a teacher's private relationships?

Is it ever ethical for teacher and students to become involved?