This past November, seven women filed a lawsuit against Dartmouth College alleging that they had been victims of sexual assault, discrimination and harassment by three professors. The suit claims that three male professors in the department of psychological and brain sciences “leered at, groped, sexted, intoxicated and even raped female students.” The suit states that the sexual misconduct has been going on since 2002 and that the college did nothing to stop it. The women seek $70 million in damages.
Recently the college announced plans to aggressively prevent sexual assaults and to address such incidents when they do occur. Philip J. Hanlon, president of the college, sent an email to the campus community that stated “I admire the courage the students showed in bringing their complaints to our attention. I deeply regret that an environment existed on our campus that was so at odds with our values.”
President Hanlon added that “Dartmouth is redoubling its efforts to ensure that every member of our community can thrive in an environment that is safe, welcoming, respectful, and inclusive. There is much work ahead. Dartmouth will take the lead in saying, ‘No more.’ ”
Specific details of the steps that college will take to address the issue of sexual misconduct will be revealed early in the spring semester.