Harvard’s Sexual Harassment Lawsuit is About Free Speech for Students
In February 2022, three Harvard graduate students, Margaret Czerwienski, Lilia Kilburn, and Amulya Mandava, filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging it ignored nearly a decade of sexual harassment and retaliation by Anthropology professor John Comaroff. The lawsuit claims Comaroff kissed, groped, and made unwelcome advances towards students, threatening their academic careers if they reported him. Comaroff was placed on unpaid leave in January after a university investigation found he violated sexual harassment policies, which he denies. Initially, 38 Harvard professors defended Comaroff, but many retracted their support after further details emerged. Critics argue that the university’s handling of the case reflects a tendency to protect powerful faculty at the expense of students' safety and well-being. The lawsuit also raises concerns about Harvard’s procedures, including allegations that the university mishandled Kilburn’s therapy records. Harvard defended its processes, while Comaroff’s legal team denied the allegations and criticized the university’s investigation. The author also shares a personal experience of being harassed by a professor during an internship interview, which left a lasting impact on her career aspirations and confidence.| Creator |
Mcmenamin, Lex
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| Publisher |
Teen Vogue
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| Date |
2022-02-11
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| Format |
Digital
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| Local URL |
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/harvard-comaroff-sexual-harassment-oped
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| Tags | Advocacy, Legal, National Media, Personal Account |
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| Date Added | July 9, 2024 |
| Date Modifed | January 7, 2025 |
| Collection | Harvard and John Comaroff |