Dean decision reached in Washburn case

by Nick Juliano
Campus Editor
Nicholas.P.Juliano.1@ohio.edu

Ohio University officials have taken action for the first time to reprimand journalism Professor Patrick Washburn for unprofessional behavior, the first move after an independent investigation.

Kathy Krendl, dean of the College of Communication, acted on the recommendations made by the College of Communication Sexual Harassment Committee in November. Krendl's decision, released Dec. 27, officially implements the committee's suggestions stemming from independent counsel James Sillery's investigation.

Sillery's findings included one instance of sexual harassment against Washburn, related to complaint that he showed a female student a nutcracker in the shape of a woman's legs.

Krendl will place an official reprimand in Washburn's personnel file. Washburn will be required to write a letter of apology to the female student he harassed and remove all offensive sexual objects from his office.

Washburn also will be required to consult with staff members designated by William Smith, director of institutional equity, "to be educated about behaviors and objects that are offensive and contribute to a hostile workplace and learning environment," according to Krendl's decision.

Washburn will be prohibited from serving on any new committees for female graduate students until he has completed the consultations and is certified by Smith.

Krendl's decision also carries with it a "no retaliation" clause, which mandates that there will be a "zero tolerance" policy for any retaliatory action Washburn makes, including verbal or written threats. Any further complaints against Washburn will be investigated and might carry further sanctions, Krendl said.

Washburn declined to comment on the decision based on advice from his lawyers, but he said he will appeal the decision.

Today is the first day for an appeal because the decision was made during winter intersession.

In addition to the sexual harassment finding, Sillery also found six instances of unprofessional and non-collegial conduct stemming from Washburn's perceived hostile conduct towards other journalism faculty members.

Krendl's decision is a reaction only to the sexual harassment finding. The College of Communication Professional Ethics Committee will review the six instances of unprofessional and non-collegial conduct. The committee was convened once in November, but the discovery of procedural problems with appointments prevented their decision from being acted on.

The committee will reconvene later this month.