The College Fix

When a professor gave students in his Human Sexuality class a post-lecture demonstration on the proper way to use a sex toy—complete with a nude woman reaching orgasm—did he violate acceptable teaching practices? Or did he exercise his academic freedom in front of a willing and interested audience?

Northwestern University doesn’t have an answer to that question.

A spokesperson for public relations specifically declined to comment on whether Bailey’s conduct had been deemed conscionable. The university would not confirm that a formal review or investigation had taken place at all, despite having promised to do so.

Last February, J. Michael Bailey, a Northwestern psychology professor and noted expert on human sexuality, invited an exhibitionist couple to attend his class and answer students’ questions about their fetishes and sexual practices. Students were warned that the material presented would be graphic and were permitted to leave. The 100 or so who remained then witnessed the male guest bring his female partner to climax using a sex toy.

Parents, alumni, and some professionals were shocked. But the university defended Bailey, at least initially. Just after the incident, a university spokesperson voiced support, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

“Northwestern University faculty members engage in teaching and research on a wide variety of topics, some of them controversial and at the leading edge of their respective disciplines,” said Alan K. Cubbage, vice president for University Relations. “The University supports the efforts of its faculty to further the advancement of knowledge.”

A few days later, Northwestern President Morton Schapiro changed tunes, according to The Huffington Post. Schapiro expressed disappointment with Bailey’s judgment and promised an investigation.

Months later, the university’s position remains unclear. The public relations department declined a request for comment. The administration and planning office—which provides oversight and support for the Board of Trustees—did not respond to requests for comment. Individual members of the Board of Trustees who were contacted for comment also did not respond.

Bailey himself had the following to say: “I am not commenting on my situation for the time being except to say that I will be teaching next year at Northwestern, albeit not teaching Human Sexuality.”

The decision to eliminate the class—but not the man—was made by authorities outside of the psychology department, according to The Chicago Sun-Times.

“I did not make the decision,” said Dan McAdams, chairman of the psychology department. “It was made by the central administration, either the president or the provost.”

Does keeping Bailey but jettisoning his class represent a repudiation of his behavior? An endorsement? An attempt to bury the matter? If Northwestern administrators know, they aren’t telling.

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