“Those moments are past, Miss Harandi, since your client has already perjured herself.” The Dean’s voice was harsh.
“I disagree,” Professor Chakravartty interjected. “Miss Mitchell might not be in the best position to judge whether or not she was the victim of coercion. Certainly, any perjury on her part would be excused if she’s the victim of harassment.”
“Professor Picton graded my work in the Dante seminar. I’m sure she could clear up this misunderstanding.” Julia’s voice took on a stubborn tone that contrasted sharply with the tremor in her voice.
“Dean Aras, forgive me for interrupting, but I’ve just received an email from Professor Picton.” Meagan’s voice broke in hesitantly. She walked over to the Dean and presented him with her laptop.
He scanned the screen quickly before waving her aside.
“It would seem that Professor Picton confirms your story, Miss Mitchell.”
Soraya leaned forward in her chair. “Then that should clear up any problems. Respectfully, we ask this committee to conclude the investigation and end this matter.”
“Not so fast, Miss Harandi.” Professor Mwangi looked between Gabriel and Julia curiously. “If the relationship truly is consensual, then why is Professor Emerson hiding behind his lawyer?”
“All you’ve done is present us with speculation and fantasy. Why should my client respond?” John’s tone was contemptuous.
“We’re entitled to come to our own conclusions with respect to evidence. I can’t speak for my learned colleagues, but I’ll state that in my opinion, your client and Miss Mitchell were involved last semester. Which means they violated the non-fraternization policy, and Miss Mitchell perjured herself.”
John stood to his feet. “If this body intends to continue in this way, then we will be invoking the assistance of the University of Toronto’s Faculty Association and the Canadian Association of University Teachers, as well as pursuing all legal means. I would caution the hearing officers against slandering my client.”
The Dean waved a dismissive hand in the air. “Sit down. We don’t respond to threats.”
He waited until John took his seat before he tossed his pen on the table in front of him. He removed his glasses and placed them next to the pen.
“Since we seem to have hit upon an iceberg here, perhaps it would be best if I suspend this hearing, pending further investigation.”
Gabriel gritted his teeth, knowing that any delay would further jeopardize Julia’s admission to Harvard.
“Before we suspend the hearing, I think that Miss Mitchell should be given the opportunity to have her story heard without having to be in the same room as Professor Emerson.” Professor Chakravartty nodded in Julia’s direction.
“Professor Emerson is a powerful man. Perhaps, Miss Mitchell, you were worried about your status and he took advantage of that. Maybe you believe that the relationship is consensual now, but did you always feel that way? More than one witness has reported that he was very harsh with you last semester.”
“This is outrageous! Dr. Aras, are you just going to sit there while my client is slandered by one of the hearing officers? I want my objection minuted, and I want it noted that I intend to file a complaint with the Provost about Dr. Chakravartty’s unprofessional behavior.” John was nearly apoplectic as he jumped to his feet.
“I want the professor to stay,” said Julia, quietly.
“Very well.” Professor Chakravartty’s voice softened. “I’m sure this situation is stressful and confusing. But you should know that the committee is already aware of the email you sent to Professor Emerson, in which you pleaded with him to stop harassing you. Once again, I want to reiterate that we are here to discover the truth.”
Julia blinked as the room around her grew fuzzy. Muffled sounds assaulted her eyes, almost as if she were sinking in water. Everything slowed down, especially her mind, as the enormity of Dr. Chakravartty’s revelation crept over her skin like a frozen finger.
Meagan passed a few sheets of paper to John and Soraya.
John glanced at them quickly, before tossing them aside. “It’s completely out of order for you surprise us with documents that were not mentioned in the letter you sent to my client.”
“This is not a trial; it’s merely an investigatory hearing. We aren’t bound by the rules of discovery, Mr. Green. Professor Chakravartty, you may proceed.” The Dean leaned back in his chair, giving Tara his full attention.
“I know that you didn’t file a sexual harassment complaint against Professor Emerson. But it isn’t too late to do so. If you wish, we can have him dismissed from the room so we can discuss this.”