Archive for Friday, May 9, 2003

Archive for Friday, May 9, 2003

Dailey doubtful accuser took class

Anonymous source on TV show claims prof promotes sex crimes

May 9, 2003

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Incensed that an unidentified woman --her features darkened by shadows -- appeared Wednesday on "The O'Reilly Factor" and accused him of promoting pedophilia and incest, Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey fired back Thursday.

"I have no idea as to the identity of the silhouetted person who appeared on ‘O'Reilly.'" Daily said in a written statement. "In fact, I have some doubt as to whether she actually attended the class on Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse, since most of her statements were untrue and the remaining ones were gross distortions of the course's content that is usually presented."

It's illogical, Dailey wrote, to assume that if he had actually encouraged or excused adults having sex with children that others in the class would have not been similarly upset and complained to his superiors or given the class poor marks -- neither of which happened.

Dailey's accuser, identified only as "Jennifer," said she took Dailey's Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse course in 1994. She accused Dailey of telling the class that he was sexually aroused by hugging his daughters.

Asked to respond, Dailey replied: "No, I'm not going to do that. This is being investigated by the university. I'll wait."

Six weeks ago, Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, accused Dailey of showing pornographic videos, making crude comments and using foul language in his class on human sexuality.

Wagle, a leader among conservative legislators, introduced an amendment aimed at cutting funding to the KU School of Social Welfare, which oversees Dailey's class. The amendment passed the Senate and House but was later vetoed by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Earlier this week, Wagle succeeded in attaching a proviso to the budget bill that requires universities to submit to the Kansas Board of Regents their policies regarding guidelines for sexually explicit courses and sexual harassment.

Wagle defended "Jennifer's" appearance on national television.

"I think it validated my concerns," she said. "It portrayed what I've heard from other students."

Wagle said "Jennifer" and others have assured her that, in the past, Dailey has told students that he was attracted to children.

"I've had people tell me that he teaches that incest causes no harm" other than the stigma that accompanies adults finding out, Wagle said.

Wagle said she didn't know "Jennifer."

"She's a prominent businesswoman in Johnson County," Wagle said. "That's all I know."

Wagle said she had postponed plans to come to Lawrence for a proposed showing of the videos used in Dailey's class.

"I want to see university's report on this first -- there ought to be some administrators held responsible," she said.