RUS Seeks Sexual Harassment Policy
The Radcliffe Union of Students (RUS) has urged the Harvard Faculty to explicitly define sexual harassment and establish a clear grievance procedure, arguing that the current lack of definition and transparency denies students equal educational access. Supported by 18 undergraduate organizations, RUS claims that the ambiguity leaves students and staff uncertain about what constitutes harassment. Marlyn M. Lewis, assistant dean of the College, acknowledged the absence of written criteria but emphasized ongoing efforts to draft a proposal condemning harassment without strict definitions, maintaining a "case by case" approach. RUS President Sharon J. Orr '83 criticized the current system, where options for harassed students—changing sections, dropping the class, or staying in the situation—are academically damaging. The Student Handbook lacks a sexual harassment definition, directing students only to senior tutors, which Orr finds inadequate. She also highlighted that many harassment complaints are not pursued due to insufficient public grievance procedures, with Lewis noting that some issues are mere "sexual tension." RUS seeks a formal definition, an ad hoc committee to review procedures, and an open letter from President Bok addressing the issue.| Creator |
Cohen, Adam S.
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| Publisher |
The Harvard Crimson
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| Date |
1982-03-18
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| Format |
Digital
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| Local URL |
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1982/3/18/rus-seeks-sexual-harassment-policy-pthe/
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| Tags | Administrative Response, Advocacy, Student Publications |
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| Date Added | July 20, 2024 |
| Date Modifed | November 10, 2024 |
| Collection | Harvard and Sexual Harassment |