Expert: Valerie Broughton - 8/24/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I need help from an older person. I went to speak with a staff member of my college, the financial aid officer. Not a professor or dean or anything, just a neutral person. I had told him (I'm a woman) that this guy was constantly always bugging me and harassing me at school, he would not stop...and he just shrugged. His response was "well yeah we see students fighting with bloody noses all the time, smashing each other's faces in - they're all friends again the next day."

That response perplexed me coming from a school official. What do you think?

ANSWER: Hi,

I drafted a response to your important question last week, but unfortunately, it didn't get to you.  I'm sorry.

The comment from the Financial Aid officer was not only perplexing, it was unprofessional, and dangerous for his institution.  

Your concern is valid and serious.  The Financial Aid officer should have advised you where to take your complaint.  There are people employed by the university to insure not only your physical safety but freedom from harassment.  You'll need to lodge a formal complaint.  I suggest you forget about looking for a 'neutral person' and immediately go to the Dean of Students or Vice President for Student Affairs.  Does your campus have a Women's Center?  Most do.  That's another place for you to reach out.  The campus police of course may have to get involved.  Lastly, the Affirmative Action Officer is charged with maintaining a positive work and learning environment for all members of the campus community.

Your tuition dollars are paying the salaries of these people who can help you.  Use them.  

Please take action immediately.

Best,
Valerie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The bully's parents are on the board of trustees.

The dean TOLD the bully I had reported him. So now the bully is coming after me with a defamation of character lawsuit!

the dean said "when confronted with the evidence, the bully was just laughing. the bully was laughing at you like HAHAHAHAHAAAAAH...now him and his lawyer are coming after you!"

this opened up an investigation on the school. the school has lost millions of dollars. so now the school has expelled me.

i have transferred to another school already.

Answer
I guess you did follow-up with the Dean.

There are process and procedures that your school is obliged to follow when looking into a complaint such as yours.  Perhaps the dean followed those guidelines.  Letting the accused know about the accusation is usually part of the process.  That's why it takes real courage to do the right thing and try to protect yourself.

Have you been contacted by any lawyer?  It may have been an idle threat.  Seems like you're the one who was wronged.  

Hopefully, you're settled in your new school and the investigation will help the  next student who may find him/herself in your situation.  

Only you can decide if it's worth pursuing your legal options at this point.

Best,
Valerie