Recently, Christophor Cavalieri, an assistant professor at Boston University's College of Communication, was collectively accused of sexual harassment by multiple students.
The report was published by The Daily Free Press (DFP), an independent student-run weekly magazine at Boston University.
DFP stated that for the sexual harassment allegations against Professor Cavalieri, they interviewed a total of 51 individuals, including current BU students and alumni, but Professor Cavalieri himself did not provide any response.
It is reported that the 62-year-old Cavalieri is a graduate of BU's College of Communication himself. He joined BU's student-run television station butv10 in 2005 as a faculty advisor. Meanwhile, as an assistant professor, he also teaches television-related courses such as Television Studio Production at the College of Communication.
DFP magazine reported that according to allegations by a BU graduate named Swoboda, after she expressed her interest in photography to Cavalieri, he invited her to his studio to learn. During this time, Cavalieri used an "embrace teaching method", inappropriately wrapping his arms around her while instructing her on using photographic equipment.
Besides Swoboda, several other students stated that Professor Cavalieri also employed a similar "romantic golf" embrace teaching style with them.
Swoboda also stated that during preparations for a program, Professor Cavalieri asked her to retrieve something from a shelf in the equipment room, "and while I was climbing the ladder, he inappropriately touched my buttocks."
In fact, long ago, BU students on Rate My Professor (a US website where professors are rated) had already reported Cavalieri's misconduct: "60% of the class is him bragging about himself... Besides, if you're a girl and like a professor teaching with his hand on your knee in the office, then take this class!"
Additionally, many students reported that Cavalieri showed signs of PUA (pick-up artist behavior), poor emotional management, a tendency to boast, and often used insulting language to attack students in class.
Although the allegations against Cavalieri are not new, BU has so far not taken any action against Cavalieri, nor has it made any public statement.
The dean of the College of Communication sent an email to students regarding the incident, which was also full of evasive language, stating that the university cares deeply about students' physical and mental well-being and will fully protect students' legitimate rights and interests, but out of protection of personal privacy, they cannot disclose more details of the investigation.
According to the course registration page, Cavalieri plans to return in the fall 2022 semester in his dual role as faculty advisor and assistant professor.
We will continue to follow the outcome of this case.
Sexual misconduct in academia is nothing new
118 Pages of Flirty Emails from Former University of Michigan President
Earlier this year, the University of Michigan made national headlines: former President Mark Schlissel was removed and fired by the university for maintaining an inappropriate relationship with a female subordinate.
The 118-page flirty emails he sent using his university official email account were mercilessly published on the university's website, permanently nailing him to the school's "pillar of shame".
This 118-page testament to middle-aged "romance" sparked a frenzy of public curiosity online. "Never have so many undergraduates been so motivated to do primary source research on a Saturday night."
Most ironically, Schlissel had publicly spoken out against sexual harassment during his tenure regarding a case involving the former provost who sexually harassed multiple women, including colleagues and graduate students.
In the end, it was just self-contradiction.
Sexual Misconduct Scandals at US Universities Over the Years
In 2021, Harvard University's Anthropology Department Chair Gary Urton was investigated and sanctioned by Harvard for years of "persistent" sexual harassment and unwelcome sexual conduct, as well as abuse of power over students and staff under his supervision, eventually stripped of his honorary status.
As early as 2016, UC Berkeley experienced a series of sexual harassment incidents by faculty and staff against female employees and students, provoking questioning and criticism of UCB from the campus community and the public.
Including the vice chancellor, a world-renowned astrophysicist, the law school dean, and the assistant coach of the university basketball team—none escaped unscathed.
Most horrifying is the sexual abuse case of former USA Olympic gymnastics team doctor Lawrence Nassar.
Starting from his time working at Michigan State University (MSU), he sexually abused female athletes and patients for nearly two decades, with the youngest victim being only 12 years old.
Ultimately, he was convicted by the court of sexually assaulting 156 people and sentenced to 175 years in prison.
What to Do If You Experience Sexual Misconduct
Since the #MeToo movement spread, more and more people have courageously come forward to report cases of sexual harassment they experienced or witnessed, and North American universities have been paying increasing attention to such incidents.
In the college application process, sexual scandals can also influence students' decisions. To create a safer campus environment and maintain their institutional image, universities do not tolerate unethical behavior.
Today, all US colleges and universities have comprehensive prevention and protection measures against sexual harassment risks, ensuring that all faculty and students are educated about relevant knowledge and support.
Many universities require students to complete sexual misconduct/assault prevention training before enrollment.
Common measures taken by universities include airing promotional videos, distributing informational brochures, setting up sexual harassment hotlines and processing departments, etc., to ensure the safest possible campus environment for students and staff.
If you do experience a sexual misconduct incident, we suggest the following actions:
1. Seek Support
Both on and off campus, confidential resources are available. If you are affected by a sexual misconduct incident, you can seek help from relevant professionals.
Universities typically have dedicated counselors who provide free consulting, and can also offer effective channels for victims to pursue conduct or criminal complaints.
2. Report to the University
You can choose to notify the university about the sexual misconduct incident. Students can generally submit a sexual misconduct report form anonymously or with identifying information.
You can also choose to file a complaint directly with the dean of students to initiate an investigation and process. If the accused is a member of the university community, the complaint will lead to them being informed of the allegation and an investigation being conducted.
3. Report to the Police
While seeking help from the university, you can also choose to report the sexual misconduct incident to local police.
Although the university may not be able to control any police investigations or legal proceedings that may occur, university staff will continue to cooperate with the student to provide assistance.
Most universities have dedicated reporting pages. You can learn more by searching sexual misconduct + university.
Students affected by sexual misconduct are advised to go to a safe place with safe people, and talk to someone you trust to help yourself recover and let others know how they can help.
We sincerely wish everyone a healthy and wonderful study abroad experience.
