Sullivan refused to comment on Schaffer's dismissal to The Hatchet. Ruth Katz, dean of the School of Public Health and Health Services, which offers the human sexuality course, also refused to comment for the article, based on the issue's "confidential nature." It is not known whether a sexual harassment suit has been filed against Schaffer or the University, but Schario said that to her knowledge, the student has not filed suit.
Schaffer said he was "blown away" by the scathing evaluation that called him "disgusting and demeaning to women." In a course that covers everything from the anatomy of the human reproductive system to masturbation and homosexuality, Schaffer said he "tends to be very honest" with his students.
"I will respond to any question," he said in an interview earlier this month. "We can and did talk about anything."
But some students said they could understand why a student would complain about the class.
"He might say things that are borderline inappropriate or something that you wouldn't expect a professor to comment on," alumnus C.J. Chido said.
2005 graduate Helly Schtevie said that although she thought human sexuality was one of the most fun classes she took at GW, some of her female classmates felt uncomfortable when Schaffer asked to see them after class to discuss their personal essays.
"If you have more conservative ideas about the world," Schtieve said, "you might be uncomfortable about the way he talked."
Schaffer defended his teaching methods, which include reading portions of student papers in class and showing a video of a male and female masturbating to orgasm.
"It's all true," Schaffer said of the woman's criticisms. "I did talk about pubic hair in response to someone's paper, and I show pictures of naked people to show what real bodies look like."
"Students have said they enjoy hearing other peoples' papers," he said. "It makes them feel normal to hear that they're not the only person who thinks like that (about human sexuality)."
Schaffer said he was "blown away" by the scathing evaluation that called him "disgusting and demeaning to women." In a course that covers everything from the anatomy of the human reproductive system to masturbation and homosexuality, Schaffer said he "tends to be very honest" with his students.
"I will respond to any question," he said in an interview earlier this month. "We can and did talk about anything."
But some students said they could understand why a student would complain about the class.
"He might say things that are borderline inappropriate or something that you wouldn't expect a professor to comment on," alumnus C.J. Chido said.
2005 graduate Helly Schtevie said that although she thought human sexuality was one of the most fun classes she took at GW, some of her female classmates felt uncomfortable when Schaffer asked to see them after class to discuss their personal essays.
"If you have more conservative ideas about the world," Schtieve said, "you might be uncomfortable about the way he talked."
Schaffer defended his teaching methods, which include reading portions of student papers in class and showing a video of a male and female masturbating to orgasm.
"It's all true," Schaffer said of the woman's criticisms. "I did talk about pubic hair in response to someone's paper, and I show pictures of naked people to show what real bodies look like."
"Students have said they enjoy hearing other peoples' papers," he said. "It makes them feel normal to hear that they're not the only person who thinks like that (about human sexuality)."
