Stanford University
Office of the Ombuds
 
 

About Consensual Relationships

Stanford's Sexual Harassment Policy was updated in 2002, most notably with significant changes to the section dealing with consensual sexual or romantic relationships.

These changes are important for three reasons:

The consensual relationships policy:

  1. Highlights the risks that exists in romantic or consensual relationships between individuals in inherently unequal positions such as teacher and student, supervisor and employee, etc.
  2. Sets forth certain rules that must be adhered to in such relationships, including that the person in the position of greater power must ensure that he or she does not exercise any supervisory or evaluative function over the other person in the relationship, and must provide certain notifications.
  3. Reaffirms the University's view that one particular category of such consensual or romantic relationships - that between teachers and students - is inconsistent with the proper role of the teacher and should be avoided; the university thus strongly discourages such relationships.

Click here to read this portion of the policy.



 
Stanford University Seal

Contact |  Directories |  Maps &  Directions

© Stanford University. All Rights Reserved. Stanford, CA 94305. (650) 723-2300. Terms of Use | Copyright Complaints