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John Gainsford

Status: Resolved
Role: Faculty
Position: Professor
Discipline: Arts and Humanities
Specific Discipline: Music
Outcome Year: 2021
Outcome Category: Suspended / Leave / Restrictions
Quote: "The third investigation involved John “Read” Gainsford, a music professor still working in the College of Music. The university concluded after its investigation completed in July that Gainsford had improper sexual relationships with at least three students, even though he did not instruct or supervise them, because he holds “considerable institutional authority and influence within the college and subsequently over all College of Music students.”"

"Concern Regarding Consensual Relationship
The EDI Office found that, regardless of the fact that none of the confidential students Gainsford had sexual interactions with were supervised or evaluated by him, the nature of Gainsford’s role as a professor and Area Coordinator in the College of Music asserts a degree of institutional authority over students. Thus, a “romantic and/or sexual relationship with a student over which institutional authority is held is counter to that which is required of Prof. Gainsford in his role.” Further acknowledging that “real or perceived power over a person makes consent to sexual activity ambigious,” the investigation found that Gainsford’s relationship with the confidential reporter was a conflict of interest, and that respective claims by the reporter were substantiated.

Following the conclusion of Professor Gainsford’s investigation by the EDI Office, former Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Sally E. McRorie contacted Gainsford to inform him of his 10-day suspension without pay on Sep. 17, 2021. In the email, she explained that his behavior was “unbecoming of a public employee and adversely affected the University’s ability to provide a safe and secure learning environment for all students.”

In accordance with Article 20 of the FSU Board of Trustees/United Faculty of Florida Collective Bargaining Agreement, Gainsford voluntarily waived his right to appeal the decision of the investigation."
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