Students can draw line on sexual harassment

Meghan Daum apparently never had a problem with sexual harassment in college, so she questions the validity of the study “Drawing the Line: Sexual Harassment on Campus” by the American Assn. of University Women in her Jan. 28 Op-Ed article, “Harassed, or just bummed?” The study found that sexual harassment is common among today’s undergraduates. Yes, women are now the majority of students on campus, but that doesn’t mean they are welcome.

If Daum had reviewed the study further, she would have found specific findings that sexual harassment interferes with class attendance and participation. The definition of sexual harassment used in Title IX and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is similar to that of the American Assn. of University Women: “unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that interferes with a student’s ability to learn, study, work or participate in school activities.”

The courts have held that schools are responsible for the climate on campus. To help colleges, the association is funding 11 campus programs to examine and address the issue of sexual harassment.

At one time, many felt that they just had to put up with the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. We know better now. Students no longer need to put up with the harmful effects of sexual harassment. They can draw the line and have a positive college experience.

SHARON SCHUSTER

Past President

American Assn. of

University Women

Woodland Hills