Harassment Complaint

"Since we spoke, the provost has been apprised of this matter and F-- has talked to the university attorney, who advised us that it should be reported to T--, the university Affirmative Action Officer, who investigates cases of sexual harassment, immediately."
-Part of an E-mail string I received last week

A few months ago I talked about a male student in the graduate program who was making people uncomfortable. Well, the ante has been upped. The gal who was most offended by this fellow made a formal complaint. She spoke to the head of the department last week, and was basically told she needed more evidence (letters she collected from other students didn’t count). She said she felt like she was blown off. Unfortunate.

On the “bright” side, it does sound like people other than the department head are looking at the situation more closely. Also, her first step makes it easier for others to speak up, and I’m pretty sure I know of at least one other student who plans to do so.

As far as this guy goes, the creepiness has escalated. He’s asked a couple of female students where they live so he can “drop off notes” or such. He’s called one gal every night for a week straight, to the point where she does not answer the phone anymore. I’m glad he’s ignored me so far, but it makes me uneasy. Last night in class I caught him looking my way and got a squirmy feeling. I always make sure to walk out with someone after class, and last night I was especially glad I had company out to my car.

I hope something substantial happens. This guy needs to leave the graduate program.