Sexual Harassment ‘Code’ Stirs Furor at University
An apologetic university athletic director says he is forming a committee to explore gender issues after he angered other faculty when he distributed a prank “male conduct code.”
In his 10-point “Agreement To Refrain From Sexual Harassment,” Tom Brennan of San Jose State University offered such tips as not insulting anyone, especially “those ladies who are much bigger than myself and could inflict great physical harm.”
He said the code of conduct was intended to initiate serious discussion on the subject.
The campus community didn’t find humor in the code, however, which also suggested not blocking women from climbing the corporate ladder, but rather “hold the ladder in place and . . . keep my eyes shut and promise not to peek.”
Basketball coach Tina Krah, softball coach Kathy Strahan, gymnastics coach Jackie Walker and assistant information director Karen Rosenzweig filed a formal complaint with the university and asked Brennan for an apology.
Brennan said: “I’d be happy to apologize to anyone. I’ve learned something, but this is not a pleasant way to learn something.”
He said he was surprised by the reaction.
“They’re right, but I was still surprised. Maybe I’m naive in that regard,” he told the San Jose Mercury News in a story published Thursday.
In response to the criticism, Brennan has created a six-person committee to explore gender issues and improve communications in his department.
Brennan picked up the code at a Big West Conference meeting two weeks ago. It was distributed by Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, University of Hawaii assistant athletic director and senior women’s administrator. The code was given out as part of a discussion on gender equity.
Both male and female coaches said they were confused because Brennan passed it out immediately after postponing a discussion on gender equity in the department.
“At first I thought it was legitimate and I was offended,” said basketball coach Stan Morrison. Later he realized it was “not a factual thing” and dismissed it.
