The Fine Line Between Sex And Sexual Harassment In Art Schools

Acclaimed photographer Nicholas Nixon abruptly retired from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design last month — shortly before the school said it was investigating allegations that he acted inappropriately with students.

The allegations against Nixon range from sending inappropriate emails to some of his female subjects to having students take pictures of people’s genitalia. Some MassArt students say those assignments intended to push artistic boundaries, but others say they blew right through them.

Correction: An earlier version of this post said Nixon resigned, rather than retired. We regret the error.

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