Sexual harassment in the university setting can be especially troubling as students and young professors rely on university professors and mentors to guide them as they start their chosen academic careers. For one Kutztown University student, working with a professor became a living nightmare.
In 2011, the student began studying Pennsylvania German family history at the university under her assigned academic advisor. The professor worked closely with the student as an instructor and mentor.
According to the student, the professor repeatedly made sexually offensive remarks and unsolicited sexual advances (including groping and kissing) towards her in the course of their work together. The student alleges that the professor threatened to kill himself and sabotage her academic carrier if she reported any of these incidents.
Even after the student requested reassignment to another academic advisor due to the continued harassment, the university failed to investigate her complaints. The student alleged that she suffered retaliation from Kutztown University for not responding to the unwanted sexual advances of the professor including exclusion from lectures, barred access to visiting scholars and revocation of library privileges. The student eventually was forced to withdraw from her program at the University due to the alleged retaliation.
With the assistance of William Rieser, Esquire, of Sidney L. Gold & Associates in Philadelphia, the student filed a federal sexual discrimination lawsuit against Kutztown University and the professor which included claims of sexual harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and assault and battery. Mr. Rieser worked tirelessly on behalf of the student in reaching a substantial settlement with the University in this matter.
The Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Attorneys at Sidney L. Gold & Associates Fight Diligently for Their Clients
Sexual harassment occurs at all types of workplaces, from construction sites to factory floors to corporate boardrooms to universities. If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, you may be entitled to compensation for your claim including back and future wages, emotional distress damages, punitive damages and attorney fees and costs. The experienced Philadelphia employment lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates will handle your sexual harassment claim with sensitivity and professionalism.
Our dedicated Pennsylvania and New Jersey sexual harassment attorneys have offices conveniently located in Center City, Philadelphia to serve individuals throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To learn more about this case or to discuss your potential Pennsylvania or New Jersey sexual discrimination or sexual harassment claims, or any employment law matter, call our law offices today at 215-569-1999 or contact us online to set up your free confidential consultation.
