Re “Rocha Crackdown on School Newspaper Seems to Have Worked”
Dateline Pasadena – Warren Swil, the Pasadena City College journalism professor and student newspaper adviser accused of sexual harassment and retaliation against a student, will be reinstated next semester, though his role at the school is unclear.
Prof. Swil, 61, was placed on administrative leave on March 28 following complaints of sexual harassment and retaliation.
“I can confirm that I have received an official notice that I will be reinstated in January,” Mr. Swil said in an email. “At this time, I cannot provide any additional comment for the record.”
On May 22, journalism student Raymond Bernal, 49, filed an official claim for $100,000 with the college that listed the accusations against Mr. Swil. The claim was rejected by the Board of Trustees on June 5.
According to the complaint, Mr. Swil allegedly showed Mr. Bernal naked pictures of himself and asked the student what he thought.
Punished by Bad Grades?
When Mr. Bernal claimed he tried to change the subject, the complaint alleges Mr. Swil became visibly disappointed and asked the student to keep the incident “between you and me.”
In his complaint, Mr. Bernal alleged that Mr. Swil retaliated by giving him bad grades on assignments. Mr. Bernal is the current opinion editor of the school’s student newspaper, The Courier, according to its website. He did not return an email seeking comment.
While Mr. Swil was on leave, the union took an active interest in the case, according to Roger Marheine, PCC Faculty Assn. president.
“We are thrilled that Warren Swil will be back on the job, and very pleased he will tend to his duties at PCC,” Prof. Marheine said. “We look forward to his services for years to come.
“We have been battling this case going on nine months. This is a big victory.”
Though reinstated, it is not yet known if Mr. Swil will resume the same posts as before he was placed on leave.
“Pasadena City College cannot discuss any specifics concerning Prof. Warren Swil, as matters of employment are strictly confidential,” PCC spokeswoman Valerie Wardlaw said.
The student newspaper’s current adviser, Nathan McIntire, is contracted through May, leaving Mr. Swil’s position filled when he returns.
“I’d like to see him teaching again, no matter what he teaches, because he’s a great teacher,” said Christine Michaels, the current editor of the Courier.
Despite developing a friendship, Ms. Michaels was in charge of covering Mr. Swil’s case for the Courier.
“It was really hard in the beginning,” she said. “It was like a wound that was still open.
“Then you learn you have to be objective. You’re reporting for the truth, not for friends.”
