Around Higher Education: Harvard punishes six for harassment

The Harvard Crimson CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (U-WIRE) --ESix male Harvard Business School students have been officially sanctioned for sexual harassment, 18 months after the first allegations were brought against them. The harassment included notes sent during classes, unwelcome physical contact and violations of privacy. According to a memo distributed to business school students and faculty by Harvard's Faculty and Staff Standards Committee, "these behaviors seriously interfered with the ability of other students to learn." Both males and females were victims of the alleged harassment. The disciplined students are members of the same study section, a group of about 80 students that work closely together on projects while in the business school. The notes focused on individuals and were of a sexually explicit nature. "They would comment on these individuals personally, making comments about what behaviors they might engage in, behaviors of a pretty salacious sort," Harvard Business School Dean Kim Clark told The Boston Globe. The pattern of harassment continued during the entire 1996-97 academic year, despite complaints by both students and section leaders. The business school's independent newspaper, The Harbus, reported that a letter was sent to members of the section in May 1997 acknowledging the delay in addressing the incidents and requesting student aid in identifying the perpetrators. Sources say it took over a year to begin an official investigation into the incidents because the victims were reluctant to bring formal complaints. Action was further delayed because the FSSC was in the process of revising its procedures, which left the proper course of action unclear. Eventually, under faculty and student pressure, the FSSC brought the complaints itself. The investigation continued for several months. "The process of bringing the situation to the FSSC and ultimately to closure has taken us far too long," Clark said in a letter to the business school community. "I apologize for that." Students and faculty members said that they are frustrated the complaints were not addressed earlier. The slow process "brought to our attention that it has to be made more simple and direct," Business Professor Myra Hart said, adding that she and others were confused about how to make their grievances heard. They asked "who to talk to and what can we do to make this happen?" Hart said. "Our whole review system was in flux," Hart said. She added that the female faculty members were kept abreast of developments by Clark, who held at least two meetings to explain the process. "Of course we wish that this had been handled immediately," Julia Clarkson and Sarah DiTroia, co-presidents of the Women's Student Association, wrote in an e-mail. "But [we] believe that the school is committed to educating the community and being proactive in the future." The six perpetrators will be required to perform community service, and some will be barred from attending graduation ceremonies. All of them will receive their diplomas this June. "If any actions like those dealt with here should occur in the future, they will be met with a prompt and severe disciplinary response," the FSSC said.

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