NAVIGATOR

Thursday, October 12, 2000 Dialogue    IN OUR OPINION    Traditional taboo: Classroom lovin'   UK needs to follow Eastern Kentucky University's example in revamp of dating policy   It seems that in UK's great number of students, finding a worthy candidate for a consensual romantic relationship is easy.   But what happens when a professor and a student want such   a relationship?   In UK's "University Policy and Procedures on Sexual Harassment," there is the following statement: "The University strongly urges those in position of authority not to engage in conduct of an amorous or sexual nature with a person they are or are likely in the future to be, in a position of evaluating."   Of course, there is the unspoken, understood rule - professors don't date students, period.   Both seem pretty straightforward. But there are plenty of "what if" cases that would fall through the cracks of the official policy. For example, what if a professor and student majored in a different department start dating, and then the student switches majors to the professor's department?   While professor-student and staff-student relationships are not rampant at UK or on any school's campus, these issues should be addressed by UK Administrative Regulation before they take forefront.   Perhaps UK should take a look at Eastern Kentucky University. An article in The Lexington Herald-Leader reported Monday that EKU's Student Government Association is drafting a policy that would disallow professors from dating class members or staff members from dating their student employees.   What spurned this sudden interest in college romance? EKU's administration currently does not have a policy governing professor-student romantic relationships. The Herald-Leader article reported that in May, a former student of EKU filed a lawsuit against the school claiming the school did not investigate her claims that a professor sexually harassed her.   While UK is currently much better off than EKU right now, problems with a possible "what if" case could generate bad media for "America's Next Great University."   And while the current Administrative Regulation binds only those employed by UK, it effects all - including students. As adults, students should be equally and fairly represented by the policy.   UK should review and revamp their policy towards professor-student dating, and allow student representatives input in the process.       Current Headlines Dialogue

The Student Newspaper at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky