Hostile environment at a college?

[Anonymous]

You have an OGC or legal right? Escalate to them, then direct all "I'll sue you" communications to them. Do not communicate with a student about a potential lawsuit, that should be directed to your university l's legal counsel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does the university have in-house counsel? Google your university's name and general counsel.

Agree. Every threat of legal action should be immediately referred to university counsel.

[Anonymous]

???? The OP is asking if she has a claim for hostile environment. No.
And of course the student wouldn't have any kind of a case either, so don't worry about that OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
What exactly would contribute to a hostile environment? Below is my university's language:

"Creating or contributing to an intimidating or hostile environment for any member of the community"


If a student threatened to sue the professor, could that be considered a hostile environment? I'm wanting to write my student up for this. Others said I should report it to campus police, but I don't think the police will care.

I saw your other post. Can you ask your Dean?

I honestly think you are in zero danger of being sued. The student would even have less chance of winning than you being sued. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, OP.

Thank you. My Dean never got back to me about it last week but my student emailed me again reiterating her intent to sue. I'm sure this threat is normal to some, but this is a first for me.

Forward that email to your Dean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems like you need to involve your Dean (phone call or meeting if still no response), University legal counsel, and possibly HR). You should definitely not engage with the student directly in any way at this point…no email direct response to the threat, no office meeting without your Dean/counsel, etc. You need formal advice from your institution before interacting with the student further.

This is the correct advice. Someone above your pay grade needs to get involved, and DO NOT RESPOND TO THE EMAILS.