Issue 26(1)

Sexual Harassment as an Ethical Issue in Academic Life. (2001). Leslie Pickering Francis. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. 281 pp. $14.95. ISBN 0-8476-8170.

Review by: Katherine Navarre

Academic Advisor, College of Liberal Arts

University of Minnesota , Twin Cities Campus

Leslie Pickering Francis provides an overview of the complexities of sexual harassment issues in higher education. Her book reviews the historical context of sexual harassment in the context of a hostile work environment and of sex discrimination.

The first part of the book explores issues of sexual harassment and sex discrimination in terms of Title VII and Title IX. The second part of the book examines sexual harassment policies and procedures in higher education. The author presents and discusses case studies pertaining to sexual harassment issues in higher education. In this section of the book, the author provides specific examples of university policies. The policies from University of Florida and the University of Washington give specific examples of the federal laws found in Title VII and Title IX. Other universities such as Duke University , University of Utah and Harvard University provide specific examples of defining sexual harassment and defining supervisory relations between faculty and students. These examples provide a template for explaining the ethical issues in academic life that can help academic advisors establish a knowledge base on sexual harassment issues.

Dr. Francis provides specific examples of sexual harassment issues that arise in higher education; in so doing, provides college and university personnel, at all levels, with a platform from which to examine their own workplace behavior. Dr. Francis' background and interest in ethics and philosophy provide an interesting dimension to her view of harassment and discrimination. The case studies explore controversial issues relevant to the work of academic advisors in higher education. Academic advisors will find the book helpful in discussing and implementing sexual harassment policies and procedures at their own institutions.