When formal complaints are filed, an investigating officer is assigned to study the case, which ultimately may be decided by the Dean of the Faculty, who officially has ultimate control over the handling of harassment allegations.
Definition of Harassment
According to the University-published "Handbook for Students," sexual harassment is defined as "unwanted sexual behavior, such as physical contact or verbal comments or suggestions, which adversely affects the working or learning environment of an individual."
Federal district court rulings have found that sexual harassment constitutes discrimination under Title IX and Title VII, according to a November 1, 1982. Radcliffe Union of Students letter to Rosovsky. Colleges and universities--which fall under the jurisdiction of the laws because they receive various forms of federal aid--therefore must take all steps within their power to protect their students and faculty from harassment.
University officers found guilty of misconduct may be required to leave Harvard, Nancy S. Reinhardt, assistant dean for student affairs at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), said yesterday.
In addition, students found to have been victimized by harassment can benefit from a variety of corrective measures. According to the handbook, grievance officers can arrange for students to change courses and instructors.
The handbook also states, "The Administrative Board considers students' petitions for changes of grading status (that is, from letter-graded to pass fail) and petitions for retroactive withdrawals from courses."
Complaints Are Rarely Pursued
Despite the existence of an elaborate grievance system, few students pursue formal complaints, officials involved in the grievance process said yesterday.
Lewis said that no undergraduate has filed a formal grievance against a Harvard officer in the last six months. She added that about 20 student including one male, informally discussed potential harassment problems with her during the fall semester.
Retnhardt, who handles graduate student complaints, said that she hear an average of one or two problems each month. But she said she knows of no format complaint filed by a graduate student this year. "Most complaint can be resolved through informal discussion," she added.
Keller, one of the officials designated as responsible for pursuing allegations by Faculty members, declined to speak to The Crimson yesterday. Nancy Maull, the other official specifically responsible for handling complaints by Faculty members, declined to comment as well.
Both Lewis and Reinhardt emphasized that students can discuss sexual harassment issues on an informal basis without committing themselves to official action.
Nevertheless, Reinhardt said she feels some students may decide not to seek formal recourse because they are afraid of repercussions or loss of privacy.
According to statistics released by the College last year, more than 84 undergraduates made informal allegations of sexual harassment by Harvard officers during the 1982-83 academic year. Not one submitted formal charge.