These are things you’re not supposed to say on campuses…
““These are things you’re not supposed to say on campuses now. But let’s be frank. To begin with, if colleges and universities around the country were in any way serious about policies to prevent sexual assaults, the path is obvious: don’t ban teacher-student romance, ban fraternities. And if we want to limit the potential for sexual favoritism—another rationale often proffered for the new policies—then let’s include the institutionalized sexual favoritism of spousal hiring, with trailing spouses getting ranks and perks based on whom they’re sleeping with rather than CVs alone, and brought in at salaries often dwarfing those of senior and more accomplished colleagues who didn’t have the foresight to couple more advantageously.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker argues that to curb sexual assault and favoritism on campuses, institutions should stop banning teacher‑student relationships and fraternities, and also end spousal hiring that rewards personal connections over merit.
In simple terms: Stop banning relationships and fraternities; end spousal hiring that favors connections over qualifications.
Key Takeaway
Promote merit‑based policies and reconsider bans.
Themes
education
sexual assault
meritocracy
institutional bias
Mood
critical
controversial
Type
policy
opinion
When to use this quote
- University administration
- HR hiring
- faculty recruitment
- student affairs
- legislative hearings
Key Concepts
Policy reform
power dynamics
conflict of interest
Questions to Reflect On
- How can campuses protect students while respecting adult relationships?
- What safeguards replace bans to prevent abuse?
A Different Perspective
The suggestion may overlook legitimate concerns about power imbalances in teacher‑student relationships.