ISU student sues for harassment

TERRE HAUTE -- An Indiana State University student has alleged in a lawsuit that a former psychology professor sexually harassed him last year during a sex experiment conducted on campus.\nCory J. Jones, who is currently not enrolled at ISU, filed the lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis against professor Jerome Cerny and the university.\nThe suit alleges that Cerny entered the room where an experiment was being conducted, touched Jones in an offensive manner and remained in the room during the experiment last June.\nUniversity spokeswoman Teresa Exline said ISU will not comment on pending litigation.\nA message seeking comment was left Wednesday at a telephone number listed in Cerny's name.\nCerny taught undergraduate human sexuality and abnormal psychology courses, as well as graduate clinical courses. His research focused on anxiety disorders and sexual behavior.\nThe lawsuit says ISU had notice of similar abuse to students as early as 1997 and the university failed to fire Cerny or take effective corrective action to properly supervise Cerny's conduct and protect students.\nAfter ISU learned of the student's sexual harassment allegation, officials conducted an investigation. Cerny signed an agreement with the university to go on leave and then retire next year.\nCerny has been a faculty member since 1976.