{"id":91,"date":"2026-02-26T17:00:47","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T22:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/employee-handbook\/?page_id=91"},"modified":"2026-03-02T08:29:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T13:29:30","slug":"prohibition-on-consenting-relationships-between-supervisors-and-subordinates","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/employee-handbook\/working-at-clark\/prohibition-on-consenting-relationships-between-supervisors-and-subordinates\/","title":{"rendered":"Prohibition on consenting relationships between supervisors and subordinates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Consensual romantic or sexual relationships between University employees and undergraduate students or between supervisors and subordinates are strictly prohibited. Consensual romantic or sexual relationships between employees and graduate students are strongly discouraged, must be immediately reported, and in some cases might be deemed impermissible. These relationships cause special concerns with respect to the existence or appearance of exploitation, abuse of position, or favoritism. All employees should understand that there are substantial risks in even an apparently consenting relationship where a power\/authority difference exists. These relationships can and often do lead to charges of sexual harassment, hostile work environment on the basis of sex, sex-based favoritism, or violation of Clark\u2019s nepotism policy. Administrators and supervisors, by virtue of their level of responsibility and authority, bear a special burden of accountability. If a consensual relationship develops, the involved individuals have an affirmative obligation to advise their supervisor and either the Title IX Coordinator or Human Resources (CHRO or Director of Human Resources) so that an assessment can be made relative to whether the relationship poses any challenges that need to be addressed to ameliorate any real or perceived adverse impact to the involved individuals or others. The University reserves the right to make employment changes and impose disciplinary measures if romantic relationships develop between employees and\/or students that appear problematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read Clark\u2019s Sex-Based Harassment and Discrimination Policy and Procedures<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n