While at Cornell University, graduate student Marita Hyman supposedly exchanged emails with Senior Professor Davydd Greenwood.
When the student allegedly suggested that the two get intimate, the Professor asked the student to stop communicating with him. But when she later copied him on another email, the professor accused her of harassment--conduct violative of the institution's Code of Conduct.
Although Hyman countered with her own harassment and retaliation charges, her complaint was dismissed, and a University Hearing Board ended up finding in the Professor's favor. Once a reprimand and a no-contact order was issued, Hyman filed a special proceeding--pursuant to CPLR Article 78--to have the outcome annulled.
After the Tompkins County Supreme Court threw her case out, Hyman appealed to the Appellate Division, Third Department, which thought the Board complied with the governing guidelines and that its determination was supported by "clear and convincing evidence."
Lesson learned?
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: Matter of Hyman v. Cornell Univ.