In a climate where stories of sexual harassment continue to unfold across the country in many different sectors, Syracuse University has announced it will reassess its policy governing sexual relations.
SU Chancellor Kent Syverud announced the initiative Tuesday at his annual winter message to the university community. He wants to make sure the rules are clear about sexual relationships between faculty and students, as well as students with each other.
“There is a potential for abuse of power in these relationships and other aspects of abuse of power,” Syverud said. “We have witnessed that here. And we have witnessed it at other universities.”
Syverud has asked the University Senate and Deans to formally look at the University’s policy and report on this issue and any recommended changes by the end of this semester.
Syverud also announced that SU is reactivating an ad hoc committee to help undocumented students on campus, in light of the federal immigration debate.
“This is an area where I expect dynamic change to continue this semester, and I want us to be nimble in response,” he said.
Syverud also told students and faculty that he expects a recommendation on the future of the Carrier Dome by this summer.
