An Eastern Michigan University professor is accused of sending a female student a picture of his his genitalia instead of the assignment she requested.
Former EMU student Destiny Hayes filed suit against the school and told WDIV-TV she can't get the images of her 65-year-old professor out of her head.
"I'm still trying to get over it, because as I said, I trusted him," Hayes said.
She says she asked the professor for an emailed assignment and he responded with the pic, a solicitation for sex and a request that she send photos of her genitalia. Her attorney claims she reported the incident and EMU has not begun an investigation, though the university says an "inquiry" has begun.
She's suing for unnamed monetary damages and to force EMU to fire the professor.
For its part, EMU released a statement to the media saying the professor is a full-time lecturer who was on leave for the fall semester so he has had no access to students since this incident allegedly occurred in August.
"We have not yet received the lawsuit, so are unable to discuss it specifically or review any claims it may state," the statement added. "However, these are very serious allegations. There is no place on Eastern Michigan University's campus for any conduct of this nature.
"Ms. Hayes graduated in April 2020, and this incident is alleged to have occurred in August 2020, when she was no longer a student. Eastern Michigan's Title IX Office met with her on Sept. 1, 2020 regarding this matter. At that time, the Title IX Coordinator discussed with her the University's grievance process and initiated an inquiry into these allegations. That inquiry is ongoing at this time.
"The University will continue to investigate this matter and take swift and appropriate action as needed."
