Multimedia Reporting (Bradford-Utsler)

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. college students experience sexual harassment, according to the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation's newest research report on campus sexual harassment.

University of Kansas Equal Opportunity Specialist Steve Ramirez said the thing to remember is that sexual harassment is not just about sex.

“It’s really about power exerted over someone,” Ramirez said. “The harasser likes the control they have over the other.

Latricia Bradley, a sophomore at KU, understands that point. Bradley said she has not been sexually harassed. However, one of her friends was.

“She was walking toward campus from Mass Street and a guy came up and grabbed her behind,” Bradley said.

Many times, students encounter sexual harassment not on campus but at off-campus venues.

Michael Seely, a senior at KU, said he notices sexual harassment usually at local dance clubs or bars.
“Mostly I think it happens when people are drunk or just trying to have fun, and things go a little too far.

So how would someone know if things are going too far? Sexual harassment comes in a variety of verbal and physical forms, Ramirez said. Those include unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted sexual attention, lewd jokes, and spreading sexual rumors.

Ramirez said that students must consider sexual harassment any situation where they feel violated or uncomfortable.

“If there is a problem, and you can’t or don’t want to confront the person, go tell someone who works at the University,” Ramirez said.

The negative effects of sexual harassment include psychological stress, depression and lowered self-esteem. In some cases, sexual harassment can get worse.

“It's my impression that most people don't take it too seriously, and I think it should be a bigger deal than it is. There's always the danger that a little harassment can turn to assault,” Seely said.

“People who are sexually harassed may feel guilty and wonder what they did to deserve it,” Ramirez said.

The major problem with sexual harassment at KU and other universities is that very few cases are reported. In 2003 only three cases were filed with the KU Equal Opportunity Office.

The AAUWEF study also showed that only 10 percent of college students go to a university employee with their concern.

The most common type of harassment at KU occurs in a hostile environment, Ramirez said. Usually in these situations the person finally reports it after a number of incidents.

Ramirez said there is a way to combat sexual harassment both at KU and in businesses: to educate people about it so they can report and prevent it in the future.

“Each year GTAs receive training on this topic at the start of the school year,” Ramirez said. “They are trained to deal with sexual harassment complaints.

The bottom line, according to Ramirez, is to treat sexual harassment more seriously.

“No one deserves to be disrespected that way,” Ramirez said.

To report sexual harassment, contact the Equal Opportunity Office, 313 Strong Hall, 785/864-3686.