A review of the University of Otago ethics policy, which may ultimately result in tighter restrictions on student-staff relationships, is currently underway.
The review originated as a result of Sophie Elliott’s murder at the hands of her tutor Clayton Weatherston. In total sixteen submissions have been made, one of which is a joint submission between the Elliotts and the University Chaplaincy.
Under the current policy relationships between staff and students are not forbidden, but staff must disclose any relationship with a student to their immediate supervisor, so as to avoid any possible conflicts of interest. Weatherston had complied with the policy at the time of his relationship with Elliott.
New wording has already been built into the draft policy, which now “strongly discourages intimate relationships.” Although the change is minimal, and arguably merely cosmetic, University Chaplain Greg Hughson says that the words send a message to staff and students of the general inappropriateness of such relationships. “The changes are a sincere attempt to reduce likelihood of [such a tragedy] happening again.”
Hughson says that relationships between staff and students can’t realistically be prohibited, as from time to time people in such relationships may be genuinely in love. “However, overall such relationships are to be strongly discouraged due to power imbalances and other ethical dilemmas.”
In contrast, Lesley Elliott advocates for the University to take a far tougher stance on such relationships. “It would be nice to see them make a bold stand. No one would think any worse of them,” she told Critic. Elliott suggests that a ban on staff-student relationships should be written into contracts. If such a relationship does develop, Elliott says that perhaps the staff member concerned should consider leaving, although such decisions would be taken on a case-by-case basis.
In addition, Elliott wants mandatory counselling for students who are in a relationship with staff. The counselling would continue until either the relationship dissolves, or the staff member resigns.
Other major universities in New Zealand currently have similar policies on student-staff relationships, with no university prohibiting them outright.
According to a University of Otago spokesperson, completion of the review, and an announcement of any changes, are a few months away.
Realationships under microscope
