Students: Dartmouth professors created hostile environment

Dartmouth College students say three psychology professors facing sexual misconduct allegations created a “hostile academic environment” marked by excessive drinking, favoritism and at times inappropriate behavior.

The attorney general’s office began a criminal investigation last month after learning about allegations against psychology professors Todd Heatherton, Paul Whalen and Bill Kelley, all of whom have been put on paid leave and have had their access to campus restricted.

Authorities haven’t released any details, but 15 undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students recently wrote to the school newspaper, The Dartmouth, alleging the three created a hostile environment “in which sexual harassment is normalized” and violated at least one campus policy related to sexual misconduct, sexual harassment or consensual relationships between students and faculty.

In interviews with the newspaper, several students described an uncomfortable workplace culture that blurred the line between professional and personal relationships and said they often felt pressured to drink at social events. One woman said she felt like she was being tested at one event when a professor put his arm around her and slid it down her body.

Read more: http://www.concordmonitor.com/Students-Dartmouth-professors-created-hostile-environment-13865654