Harassment Allegations Against Thomas

Most of us who have been sexually harassed--and we are legion--can verify that Anita Faye Hill’s behavior (calling Clarence Thomas 11 times over 3 1/2 years) is--contrary to Sen. John C. Danforth’s (R-Mo.) opinion--absolutely consistent with the harassment experience, simply because the perpetrator is usually a man on whom we are dependent for a paycheck, a job or a future reference. So not only are we good little girls who won’t tell, we keep the dirty little secret so that we won’t be labeled troublemakers.

Most of us have tucked these degrading experiences away--as did Ms. Hill--because to recall them is to recall the anger, impotence and shame connected with them. But the very idea that a committee of men knew of this ugly charge and chose to do nothing about it is causing many of us to speak up. I do not want my daughter to live with the specter of harassment; I do not want any woman to have to feel the shame that I have felt at covering up such abuse.

Sexual harassment must be treated as the serious crime it is; it should not become a nasty little story snickered about by good old boys behind closed doors.

RENE KIRBY, Long Beach