A Title IX investigation is ongoing at Mesa Community College into a theater professor accused of inappropriate conduct. The faculty member has been on administrative leave for months, and this week, protesters called for his firing.
A group of MCC students, community members and parents gathered outside the college’s theater building with signs reading “Protect MCC students, Not Predators” and “No more victims! Fire Mace Archer.”
Current and former MCC students and others have accused Archer of inappropriate behavior spanning years and across state lines. The allegations range from inappropriate comments and gazing to, this year, encouraging students to undress for an assignment.
Lisa Olson’s daughter is a former student.
“She took classes with him that made her feel very uncomfortable. He would comment about what she is wearing. His gaze would be in a certain direction," Olson said.
Her daughter, Suzanne Olson, helped organize the small silent protest. Suzanne says she didn’t report her experiences to the college until this year.
“I was scared if I was the only one to come forward nothing would come of it and it would cause me emotional turmoil for nothing," she said.
A spokesperson for MCC says that Archer remains under administrative leave pending the outcome of all investigations.
Current and former students also allege the college was slow to respond. An Arizona Republic investigation shows MCC allowed him to continue teaching for months after student complaints were made this year.
Archer couldn’t be reached for comment.
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