August 17, 2007

A Right to Romance

In his new book, a psychology professor argues that the Constitution protects professor-student love

By ROBIN WILSON

Paul R. Abramson is a happily married, 57-year-old psychology professor at the University of California at Los Angeles. He says he has never had a serious romantic relationship with one of his students.

Nevertheless, Mr. Abramson doesn't think universities have any business telling professors whom they can date. In 2003, UCLA's Academic Senate did precisely that, joining a growing list of universities that have banned romance between professors and students.

Mr. Abramson says