A doctoral student in social work at USC was assaulted and sexually harassed by her dissertation advisor while on a school/work related trip to New Orleans. She is 34 year old Karissa Fenwick. She made an internal complaint to the University and they investigated and made findings that she was, in fact, sexually harassed and the perpetrator, Dr. Guerrero attempted to use his influence over her to get her to not make a complaint. Despite these findings, Dr. Guerrero remained employed at USC. He then challenged the findings claiming that Karissa came on to him and that he was frequently pursued by female students and that he was known as the Hot Latino Professor. Despite providing 9 supposed witnesses to these defenses, not one of the witnesses supported him. Finally, the University administered terribly light discipline of basically a suspension for one semester. The lawsuit claims that the discipline should have been far more serious—he should have been fired. This was the second time that he sexually harassed a student that we know about. Karissa has been forced to avoid campus while Dr. Guerrero continues to work for USC.
from Juris Productions
News Coverage:
CBS Los Angeles
USC Student’s Sexual Harassment Claim Backed, But Professor Still On Staff
Daily Trojan
Student files sexual harassment lawsuit against professor and USC
Social work faculty pens letter condemning USC’s actions after sexual harassment complaint
EDITORIAL BOARD: USC must engage in dialogue with students
KTLA
USC Grad Student Sues Professor, University Over Sexual Harassment
ABC 7
USC Grad Alleges Sexual Harassment by Professor
Los Angeles Daily News
USC Graduate Students Sues University, Associate Professor Over Sexual Harassment
NBC Los Angeles
Lawsuit Targets USC for Retaining Tenured Professor Accused of Sexual Harassment
LA West Media
“I Was Terrified,” USC Grad Student Says Her Reports Of Sexual Harassment Were Ignored
USC Annenberg Media
USC doctoral student sued the school over its response to sexual harassment
Capital & Main
Students Blast USC’s Handling of Sexual Harassment Case