SPEAKING FREELY
Posted by
Stacey K. Vargas, Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Virginia
Military Institute
As
we pass the midterm of another academic semester, I find sexual harassment
on the center stage at both W&L and VMI. However I find it very
interesting that those in the administration do not seem to realize sexual
harassment exists, prevails and haunts women on both campuses. Why
is it so easy for administrators to talk about civility and ask everyone to be
civil and yet behind the scenes they are tolerating, condoning and therefore
encouraging one of the most uncivil behaviors that exists in our society,
sexual harassment? At VMI I sense a level of fear that surrounds
the words “sexual harassment.” I feel the administration panic as
they ponder the embarrassment that the Institution would suffer if the
words sexual harassment were in any way associated with the
institution. I see their fear and panic turn to relief as they send
out an occasional email with the subject, civility or mention at a faculty
meeting that civility is their number one priority. How honorable is it
for an institution that builds its reputation on honor and integrity to cover
up the truth?
Knowing
that I will never be able to influence the administration as a single voice nor
will any one female at W&L, I am pleading with all women who are
experiencing sexual harassment at any level to come forward. I know from
experience that this is not an easy process and there can and most likely will
be some form of illegal retaliation. Nevertheless, as women, we must put a stop to
this barbaric behavior. We can not allow it
to continue nor can we watch as one woman speaks
out alone. We must file formal complaints and have documented
records before our administrators will stop hiding behind the word “civility.”
Don't allow yourself to be a silent victim. Speak out and speak
freely.