Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Unfair Dismissal
Both students and staff can face sexual discrimination and harassment in higher education, and we have a long track record of succeeding in representing both. In some cases both students and staff are involved, such as the case we brought against the University of Rochester.
We also represent those who are retaliated against for reporting discriminatory treatment or harassment, who are unfairly dismissed or who whistleblow about illegal conduct. Our publicly reported UK cases include the wrongful suspension of Professor Wendy Purcell, formerly vice-chancellor of Plymouth University, Professor Heather Savigny and Dr Emma Chapman (UCL).
Find out more about how we help achieve compensation and redress for unfair treatment at work.
Compliance and Advisory Work
University responses to complaints of staff sexual misconduct in the UK too often involve ‘making it up as you go along’.
When students report their experiences, they find that there is no documented process being followed or communicated with them, and that they don’t receive the same protections as the staff member who is the target of the complaint. They are often not told the full outcome, including any disciplinary measures relating to the staff member, and not given a right of appeal, on grounds of employee privacy.
Sector Guidance to Address Staff Sexual Misconduct in UK Higher Education – McAllister Olivarius and The 1752 Group
In partnership with the research and lobbying organisation The 1752 Group, McAllister Olivarius has published proposed guidance for the UK education sector for handling sexual misconduct complaints.
It puts forward two key principles: 1) where staff disciplinary procedures are used to address student complaints, higher education institutions (HEIs) must modify these to ensure a fair process for student complainants; and 2) student complainants and responding staff members must be accorded equal rights in the complaints process.
Access your digital copy of the guidance here.
For more information visit: https://1752group.com/sector-guidance/
Review services and training for universities (United States)
We also provide review services and training for universities in the US, to ensure that they are compliant with relevant laws, including Title IX, the Clery Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.