Prosecutors Investigate Ewu Prof Two Women Students Allege Sexual Misconduct

Spokane County prosecutors are reviewing claims by two Eastern Washington University students that a well-respected professor forced himself on them sexually.

One of the women was taking a class from the professor at the time of the reported incident, a university official said.

Prosecutors will decide later this week whether William Daniel Perdue should be charged, said Dawn Cortez of the prosecutor’s special assault unit.

Meanwhile, university officials are conducting “an administrative inquiry” of Perdue, a professor of sociology and contemporary world studies, said Stefanie Pettit, EWU spokeswoman.

Pettit would not disclose the nature of the inquiry, which is being headed by Gayle Ogden, the university’s executive director for Human Rights and Legal Affairs.

Sociology Department Chairman Dale Lindekugel said the university’s investigation is related to the sexual misconduct allegations.

Lindekugel also confirmed one of the students involved was taking an independent-study class from Perdue at the time of the reported assault. The woman has since been assigned to another professor, he said.

“It’s a horrible situation,” Lindekugel said. “A lot of people get hurt.”

Perdue referred questions about the investigation to his attorney, Carl Hueber, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Perdue, who is in his early 50s, has taught at EWU since 1969.

He has authored at least two books, including “Paradox of Change: The Rise and Fall of Solidarity in the New Poland,” which was published last December.

Sheriff’s Detective Kevin Bechtold, who investigated the complaints against Perdue, said the two incidents reportedly occurred between mid-March and mid-April.

Both women told detectives Perdue forced them into “inappropriate sexual situations,” said Bechtold, who wouldn’t elaborate.

Perdue claimed through his attorney that the relations were consensual, said a source close to the investigation.

Even if it was consensual, there’s an unwritten rule that faculty members don’t sleep with their students, Lindekugel said. The perception of an abuse of power is there, he said.

“Everyone I know would consider that unethical,” said Lindekugel, who added nothing has been proven.

Pettit said the women first complained to university police, who forwarded their reports to the sheriff’s department because the incidents took place off campus. She didn’t say where.

Perdue has continued teaching while prosecutors and university officials conduct their investigations, Lindekugel said. He has not been arrested.

Pettit said the outcome of Ogden’s investigation will be reviewed by the university administration and may be sent to the faculty senate, which could censure or even fire Perdue.

, DataTimes