I’d be avoid the name-calling, however, regarding these unfortunate individuals.

Yes, most faculty members know about the “A for a Lay…” thing…and I have found very few reports of such incidents.

What I have found is an unusually high degree of social and emotional pathology among academic faculty members, probably enabled and aggravated by the tenure system. Ironically, the most popular profs, who many times get attention by statements and teaching approaches that push the envelope of social norms, often have the most trouble perceiving boundaries that are obvious to their colleagues. And, yes, mass training won’t reach them, and certainly is unlikely to prevent such incidents.

I have had many conversations with these kinds of folks on an individual basis, and they are most often very troubled individuals, who frequently have problems with mood disorders and often substance abuse.

While I would never excuse behavior such as this, and wish that in this case it could have been addressed much more quickly, I do believe that anyone involved in a situation like this deserves the same respect that we offer to everyone in our community.

As a former Dean (for 15 years) now in the faculty ranks, I am too often amazed at how little understanding and empathy some faculty have about the running of an academic organization. I am happy to say that most of the time, when someone takes the time to share information and explains how/why decisions are made, 98% of my colleagues can be reasonable. Unfortunately, though, memories are short…

I think the training is about 70% CYA, 20% obligatory public relations (Mel Brooks in Blazing Saddles “I’m not hearing enough harrumphing around here!”) and about 10% stewardship.