Spring Break
Prof. leaves legacy of harassment
Bender resigns before discovery
BRIAN HUGHES
Issue date: 1/30/08 Section: News
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It never seems to end.
Towering at more than 43 pages, it chronicles 32 years in the field of special education, including a tenure of two decades at the University.
But amid all the accomplishments - 15 authored books, 62 peer-reviewed journal articles and 18 commercially produced videos - you won't find one glaring trademark of his legacy - sexual harassment.
In September, Bender offered his resignation, effective in May, one day before he was found in violation of the University's Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, according to investigative records obtained by The Red & Black.
Then Associate Director for Legal Affairs Kimberly Ballard-Washington warned in a letter to Bender that any further claim of harassment in violation of school policy will lead to his immediate termination.
He is now teaching two online special education graduate courses.
None of this shocks Rosemary Jackson, a former instructor in the College of Education and now a professor of special education and administration at Georgia College and State University.
"It doesn't surprise me at all," she said. "He was a creepy man."
Her portrait stands as a stark contrast to the description that graces Bender's books.
As a student member of the committee that hired Bender, Jackson recalls problems with him before he even began teaching in 1988.
She said one female student alleged Bender made her sit in his lap during an unofficial school conference.
"It was common knowledge in the department that (Bender) made inappropriate passes at students," Jackson said.
Such passes were documented as recently as last summer.
With his wife, Renet Bender, William operates The Teacher's Workshop, a center in Watkinsville that offers aid in teacher development.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Stevie
posted 1/30/08 @ 2:17 PM EST
A resume that is 43 pages long???
Narcisist.
Winfield J. Abbe
posted 1/30/08 @ 5:05 PM EST
Everyone should notice that professor Bender was promoted to Associate Professor in 1991 and Professor in 2004, both after much information about the improper activities had been reported, but still the UGA administration, even of another president, did nothing. (Continued…)
Sports Supplements
posted 12/12/08 @ 3:55 PM EST
43 pages? Wow
dog items
posted 12/12/08 @ 4:02 PM EST
I agree with commenter Winfield J. Abbe. Well written.
soma
posted 3/10/09 @ 6:33 AM EST
resume very good))))
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