Student Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Professor and Prominent Artist

A former Washington University graduate, Jessica Richardson filed a lawsuit on December 8, alleging her professor and artist Tom Huck sexually harassed her.

Tom Huck is a renowned artist and the printmaking professor, who has a number of works on display in St. Louis and New York along with works in private collections.

Huck was assigned to be Richardson’s adviser in 2009; she was working on her masters of fine art. As her advisor, Huck suggested that Richardson focus on rape, assault and violence towards women, as the “blood and guts” of her work. He also once suggested she include silicone breasts superimposed on animals featured in her work, along with other sexually suggestive and violent subjects. He also made unwanted comments about her physical appearance, which is a common reason people hire sexual harassment attorneys.

Richardson told Huck that her doctor suggested she stay away from those themes in her artwork because it was causing her emotional distress. Huck then became verbally abusive and started calling her “white trash.”  

When Richardson reported the harassment to school officials she was subjected to retaliation, which sexual harassment lawyers frequently see in these cases.

Richardson followed the necessary channels for reporting sexual harassment, but officials did not treat her fairly. This happens frequently and the victims find it is necessary to hire a sexual harassment attorney to put an end to the abuses they endure.