Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Virginia

Abusive Retired Professor

I work with a 70y retired professor on my PhD dissertation. He has asked me to go work in his house in VA. I am not the first student who he has invited to his house working with him. I do not feel comfortable since he has been very touchy. Lately, it has become more. He touched my butt jokingly, told me I could not have friends or dates, called me bad girl, called me controlling, hugged me too tight too long, touching my body from behind, saying nasty things like ''I may have to kiss you to shut you up.'' I wrote an email to him that I demand respect in this working relationship. He is an emeritus professor at my university in Illinois. He has a position at a University in Virginia. I am still a PhD student in Illinois. My job in NJ will start in Sep. I live in VA now (my apt).

This professor acts as he has so much power over my career . He claims I have to pay him the price. I could not work with others. I am on a job market. I am afraid of him hurting my career since has the power.

I wrote an email to him on July 31th that his acts were not considered appropriated in a working relationship which has created an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

What can I do to protect myself from his power?


Asked on 8/04/08, 10:45 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Abusive Retired Professor

Very little, probably, unless you're willing to follow through on your threat to sue him in federal court based upon sexual discrimination/hostile work environment(which apparently you have yet to make clear to the old goat).

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Answered on 8/11/08, 12:19 am


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