I want to step in on this. The current controversy should be part of the dialogue and a consideration point for students making college decisions. Especially if a student is interested in the BCS (brain and cognitive science) graduate program. Less so for undergrads, especially if BCS is not a core interest. (It hasn’t affected my daughter’s experience at all, except insofar as she has been involved in peaceful protests on campus.)
I see the controversy as illustrating both strengths and weaknesses of UR. The top administration’s reaction to the issue deserves censure. And I expect some changes in the near future. BUT what shouldn’t be forgotten is the bravery and integrity of the seven BCS faculty members who put their jobs on the line when they filed an EEOC complaint. Or the way the students and other faculty mounted a strong but peaceful protest of administration that resulted in a reassessment of the complaint that is currently underway. The slogan adopted by the protestors, “If you love something, you hold it accountable,” summed up the “Rochester way” for me quite well. So, while it’s not something that should be ignored, I think it’s important to view it in context—sexual harassment and the tendency of those in power to try to cover it up are not problems unique to UR. And they are in the process of addressing those problems right now…hopefully in a way that will win-back the trust of colleagues, parents, students, and the public at large.