Statesman

Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: Letters to the Editor

In light of recent media coverage on sexual harassment at UMD, the Women's Resource and Action Center (WRAC), the Commission on Women, the Women's Studies Advisory Board the Women's Studies Department and AFSCME Local 3801 (UMD clerical and technical staff) would like to extend their support and encouragement to women in the campus community. Everyone has the right to feel safe on campus, and this sense of safety involves knowing that the university does not tolerate sexual harassment. The UMD Policy Statement on Sexual Harassment (www.d.umn.edu/umdoeo/sexual_harass.html) states that, "Sexual harassment in any situation is reprehensible. It subverts the mission of the university, and threatens the careers of students, faculty, and staff." Even though sexual harassment is officially unacceptable, our society often blames victims or discounts the severity of situations involving sexual harassment. With this in mind, it takes tremendous bravery for women to stand up and report situations that create unacceptable working and learning environments. We are continuously working to create a campus climate that improves and enriches the learning environment for women on campus. We will continue to be resources for women on campus and support the right of all people to feel safe at UMD. We stand in solidarity with all women on campus who have dealt or deal with sexual harassment and recognize the strength it takes to come forward.

Women's Resource and Action Center,
wrac@d.umn.edu
Commission on Women,
comwomen@d.umn.edu
Women's Studies Department,
ws@d.umn.edu
Women's Studies Advisory Board,
ws-adv-board@d.umn.edu
AFSCME Local 3801

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