December 13, 1983 · The Harvard Crimson

Sexual Harassment Discussed; Speakers Blast Harvard Policy

At a Radcliffe Union of Students sponsored discussion, Assistant Professor of Government Ethel Klein, RUS Vice-President Christina A. Spaulding, and graduate student Sylvia Maxfield addressed sexual harassment issues and criticized Harvard's policies. Klein emphasized that the core issue is women's right to a workplace, asserting that women are not taken seriously by men in power at Harvard. Spaulding highlighted problematic views among professors who believe that a certain "electricity" between students and staff is necessary for learning and teaching. Maxfield shared her personal experience with the University's handling of her complaint against Professor Jorge I. Dominguez, expressing frustration over lack of communication about actions taken. There was concern that the Faculty Council committee studying the problem would propose inadequate solutions without sufficient student input. Klein noted that pursuing litigation could be career-ending for complainants, reflecting the significant personal and professional risks involved.
Creator
Feinberg, Mark E.
Publisher
The Harvard Crimson
Date
1983-12-13
Format
Digital
Local URL
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1983/12/13/sexual-harassment-discussed-speakers-blast-harvard/
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Date Added July 11, 2024
Date Modifed January 7, 2025
Collection Harvard and Sexual Harassment