Oxford struck by 'epidemic' of harassment, says lawyer

Elizabeth Ramey: Oxford rape claim (David Owen Hawxhurst)
Elizabeth Ramey: Oxford rape claim (David Owen Hawxhurst)

A FORMER student has filed a formal complaint with Oxford University that she was sexually harassed by a male professor. Her lawyer claims there is an 'epidemic' of harassment at the university

The woman is one of about half a dozen students who have contacted the law firm McAllister Olivarius to complain about alleged inappropriate sexual behaviour at Oxford.

The university said it was “committed to a campus free of all forms of sexual harassment” and “is confident that it has . . . policies in place which support its commitment”.

However, campaigners are calling on the government to bring in American-style legislation under which universities such as Harvard and Yale have banned sexual relations between staff and students.

Several students contacted lawyers over alleged inappropriate sexual behaviour at Oxford (Domingo Leiva Nicolas)
Several students contacted lawyers over alleged inappropriate sexual behaviour at Oxford (Domingo Leiva Nicolas)

“In the US it is considered