How institutions handle charges

In light of allegations of sexual misconduct lodged against President Clinton, The Evangelist surveyed several local institutions about their policies regarding employee relationships, and how an alleged affair between an executive officer and an intern would be handled:

* St. Peter's Hospital in Albany "definitely has a policy that states that supervisors cannot date people who report to them," said human resources director Adrienne Beebe. The policy states in part that "in order to promote an environment which fosters dignity and interdependence...managers or employees may not date people who report directly or indirectly or for whom they have any responsibility or authority."

If such a situation were to occur, Ms. Beebe said, the report would be submitted to her office, and she would meet with the parties concerned to determine whether there was a relationship and whether an alternate assignment for either employee would be appropriate. In the case of a consensual affair, Ms. Beebe would look at each case individually. A possible job change for either employee would depend on several factors, including seniority.

* Albany Diocesan Pastoral Center human resources director John Cosgrove released the following statement: "Any allegation of sexual misconduct, sexual abuse or sexual harassment would be taken seriously. Consistent with the principles of due process, the allegation(s) would be thoroughly investigated. If the allegation(s) are proven to be true, appropriate action would be taken that would be in accordance with canon and civil law."

Rev. Geoffrey Burke, chancellor for personnel and public information, added that an affair between an executive officer and an intern "would be a gross violation of moral and ethical standards, and contrary to the fundamental moral teachings of the Church. It's not something we would just overlook."

The chancellor told The Evangelist that the Diocese's policies on sexual harassment apply to clergy misconduct, as well.

Even a consensual affair between two laypersons would probably be investigated, he said, noting: "If it had become a topic of conversation, we would need to address it."

* Siena College in Loudonville has a human rights policy and procedure that covers any cases of discrimination or harassment. Cynthia King-LeRoy, assistant vice-president for human resources, cited the policy: "Sexual relationships which are inherently unequal have the potential for interfering with the less powerful individual's academic effort, job performance or personal well-being....[The college] strongly encourages [employees] to avoid sexual relationships with anyone over whom they have direct authority."

If a member of an "unequal relationship" came to the human resources office, Ms. King-LeRoy said, the person would receive a copy of the college's human rights policy and procedure, be informed about legal recourse outside the college, and be put in touch with Siena's human rights committee. Mediation and formal hearings are also options.

Consensual relationships, she said, while not expressly forbidden by the policy, are discouraged.

* The College of Saint Rose in Albany cited the example of a relationship between an employee and a student. Human resources director Jeffrey Knapp stated that although the college does not prohibit such relationships, it provides several resources for employees or students who feel they are being forced into a relationship.

Students, he said, may find help through a resident assistant (RA), a student who supervises their college dormitory and is available to assist with problems; through the college's Student Services office, which provides counseling; or through college employees, who will refer students to the Student Services office.

There are also "informal processes to resolve the situation and a formal process of investigation," he said. "We're a little more unique than a business, because we have a number of counseling services available, a number of systems in place to try and be there for students."

Consensual relationships between interns and executive officers would also be handled through counseling for one or both parties, he said.

* Local General Electric Co. spokesperson Jan Smith refused comment, stating only that "we do have a code of conduct" for employees, and "if there were any questions about an employee's conduct, they would be handled on an individual basis."

(02-05-98) [[In-content Ad]]