What We Know So Far

A talented, internationally well known, east coast based, US university professor, also chairman of his specialist department, declared to his colleagues his intention to marry his doctoral student. She, an equally talented aspiring academic, just turned 30, admitted that their relationship had been covertly conducted for fear of unwelcome comment and criticism from their colleagues. For the sake of equity, governance and good conduct, on announcing their relationship, the doctoral candidate was assigned a new supervisor so that any conflict of interests would be minimised. However, despite the couple’s attempts to pursue organisational propriety, their fears of an emotional outburst were realised. Certain faculty members accused the professor of unethical behaviour and of taking advantage of a student and a woman at that! These criticisms were made despite her age and the fact that she had held positions of considerable managerial responsibility prior to entering the doctoral programme. She was assertive. She displayed considerable confidence. She certainly was no pushover! Yet, despite her impressive aura, the female doctoral candidate equally endured criticism from her own doctoral peers and from the secretaries in the department on the basis of, ‘Why did you keep this a secret?’