The Daily Orange Editorial Board urges SU to facilitate in-person discussion on sexual relationship ban

The Daily Orange Editorial Board commends Syracuse University for announcing Monday it is banning sexual and romantic relationships between undergraduate students and employees.

But the conversation surrounding this topic shouldn’t stop now.
While the action was a major step forward for SU, it’s important to note that because of the complexity of this issue, further public, in-person discussion regarding the ban is needed. That dialogue is particularly important as freshmen enter SU potentially unaware of Chancellor Kent Syverud’s initial charge to the University Senate of reviewing policies related to faculty and undergraduate student relationships. Syverud first announced that effort in December 2017.

The editorial board urges Syverud or other administrators to provide a full briefing to the Senate on the ban’s implementation as part of a forum open to community discussion. It could be beneficial for students and employees alike.

The policy change comes about eight months after the chancellor asked the Senate to review how SU governs relationships between faculty and undergraduate students. Syverud cited the #MeToo movement as a motivating factor for his request.

Following a review by the Senate’s Women’s Concerns committee and Academic Freedom, Tenure and Professional Ethics committee, the Senate in April voted to ban sexual relationships between faculty and students.

Recognizing the potential for the development of damaging power dynamics between SU employees and undergraduate students engaged in sexual or romantic relationships was necessary, and pushing Senate committees to take the lead in studying the issue was a smart decision.

At the start of a new school year, it’s important for SU to facilitate a conversation so all campus community members know that, and understand the administration’s reasoning for implementing the ban.

The Daily Orange Editorial Board serves as the voice of the organization and aims to contribute the perspectives of students to discussions that concern Syracuse University and the greater Syracuse community. The editorial board’s stances are determined by a majority of its members. You can read more about the editorial board here. Are you interested in pitching a topic for the editorial board to discuss? Email opinion@dailyorange.com.