Faculty Member Held on Administrative Leave
by Madison Medeiros
With movements like #MeToo and #WeBelieveSurvivors on the rise, as are the statistics for reporting inappropriate and unprofessional misconduct in the world of academia.
The Association of American Universities conducted a Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Misconduct in 2015. Independent researchers surveyed students from 27 research universities.
In response to a report of misconduct, 55-percent of students believe it is very or extremely likely that the reporting victim would be supported by the students.
63-percent of students believe it is very or extremely likely that the report filed would be taken seriously by campus officials.
Although, the overall reporting rate to campus officials and law enforcement ranges from 5-percent to 28-percent depending on the specific behavior.
Students explained that the most common reason for not reporting incidents of sexual assault, harassment or misconduct were that it was not considered serious enough—a common misconception among victims today.
“Notice of Complaint and Campus Investigation,” was the subject of an email from P. Paul Alexander on September 25. The email was issued to all staff and faculty from the Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator himself.
“Cape Cod Community College and the Barnstable Police Department recently received reports of inappropriate and unprofessional conduct by a faculty member on campus,” Alexander’s email states. “As a result of these reports, the instructor has been immediately placed on paid administrative leave.”
The following day, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Arlene Rodriguez issued the same email, but this time to the students of 4Cs. Both emails explain that the College’s Human Resources Department is currently investigating the report, in cooperation with the BPD.
“Please know that we take reports like these extremely serious,” both emails state.
No names, accusations or information have been released at this time, as it is an on-going investigation.
The Detective’s Unit at the BPD said they have just received the report and are currently beginning the processes of an investigation.
Rodriguez and Alexander advised students to direct their questions or concerns to Alexander in the Human Resources Department.
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