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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 9, 1981)
Sexual harassment Problem plagues both women, men By LORI PUTNAM Of ttw Emerald In one women’s bathroom on campus is a short list of profes sors who allegedly sexually harass female students. But because sexual harass ment is such a touchy issue, the transition from bathroom-wall scribble to an affirmative action complaint often is shunned. Under the Civil Rights Act, sexual harassment is con sidered sexual discrimination. Although many admit it’s a ing sexual harassment is its broad definition. Defined by the University as any "unwanted and repeated sexual remarks and behavior," harassment can be anything from crude joking to rape. McFadden says "repeated” in the definition is important because a comment may be harassment to one person and a compliment to another. “All of us are socially inept some of the time.” Women should tell men when ‘Harassment is a power play and an abuse of authority. ’ problem on campus, no one knows its scope. Affirmative action director Bean McFadden says she can’t tell if harassment problems at the University are increasing or decreasing. Members of the Eugene Women’s Council and the Rape Relief Hotline also say they are unsure of the extent of sexual harassment in the Eugene area. Regardless, sexual harass ment is considered a serious problem that can — and does — affect students. National studies indicate women are embarassed to report sexual harassment in cidents. Several myths keep women from reporting harassment, the reports show, including the idea that harass ment is a personal matter between a man and a woman. According to this view, working women or students who "can't handle the heat should return to the kitchen.” Another myth is that women must have done something provocative to bring on the har assment. But McFadden says sexual harassment has nothing to do with sex or romance. "Sexual harassment," she says, "is a power play and an abuse of one’s position of auth ority.” Another problem with report they’re offended or uncomfor table by a comment, McFadden advises. But this solution isn’t perfect. According to one report, men and women are socialized to believe women are coy and like to play “hard to get.” Secondly, women who face harassment from men in auth ority positions may not be in a position to refuse sexual ad vances. Working women with children may not have the op tion of quitting a job because of harassment. Sexual harassment can also come from classmates, co workers and clients who can use subtle pressure to make the classroom or office uncomfor table. Co-workers can use harass ment as a power tool. It’s a way for a man to reduce a woman he sees as potential competition to a cute girl or sex object, the study says. And harassment is not limited to women. University GTF Dan Henry says he has been har assed by women, once by a student. “One woman told me I would be damned to hell if I didn’t have intimate relations with her,” he says. Women can make a man feel guilty if he refuses her ad vances, Henry says, because to An exquisite experience for you for your friend for your sweetheart This VALENTINE'S DAY, treat yourself to the gracious luxurious experience of our full service salon Sculptured nails Facials Massage Manicures Pedicures Waxing Consultation for Makeup Diet Wardrobe It will leave you looking and feeling magnificent SHOPPf ;NC i Gift certificates available • / Phone 683-0906 281 7 Oak Street Southtowne Eugene. OR 97405 not respond is considered un masculine. Despite the difficulties in defining and reporting sexual harassment, the University has what is considered a good weapon to stop harassment — a formal and informal internal grievance system. Complaints usually are re solved through an informal procedure. A staff member talks to the accused offender without identifying the student who made the complaint. No one at the University has filed a formal sexual harassment grievance in two years, McFadden says. The affirmative action office will sponsor a workshop on sexism and sexual harassment in the spring, and McFadden says Acting University Pres. Paul Olum will re-issue a memo on sexual harassment to all professors and staff members. WEEK OF THE OPPRESSED FEB. 9-13 167 EMU The Muslim Students’ Association is sponsoring a week of activities on the causes of oppressed people in the world. Mon, 2/9 NORTH AMERICA Tues, 2/10 NORTH AMERICA Wed, 2/11 LATIN AMERICA Thur, 2/12 MIDDLE EAST AND FAR EAST Fri, 2/13 AFRICA For a complete schedule of events see the Briefs column, or stop by our information table, room 167, EMU Special Films Thur, 2/12 “The Palestinian People Do Have Rights.” A film by the United Nations, Room 177, Lawrence $1.00 Fri, 2/13 — “Malcolm X.” Room 123, Science $1.50 SKI SALE! DOWNHILL & CROSS COUNTRY All Skis 20-50% OFF All Bindings 20% OFF All Boots 20-40% OFF Poles, Gloves, Goggles, Underwear, Hats, Ski Racks, Turtlenecks, Ski Bags, Socks, now 20% OFF SKI CLOTHING 20-40% OFF 174 East Broadway Eugene {
