Unwelcome Behavior

Committee chair: Maryann Rasmussen

This committee was formed in 2005 to follow up on the sexual harassment survey administered in 2004. This committee is working to make sure that results of the survey are widely circulated and that the campus responds to the recommendations included.

May 07 report of the subcommittee with recommendations for changing the sexual harassment web site and raising undergraduate awareness of UI Sexual Harassment Policy.

The committee will be reviewing the Stolar Report, submitted to the State Board of Regents in 9/08, describing the University's response to a fall 2007 sexual assault. The committee will study that report, and it may serve as a resource as the UI begins to develop better policies and responses to sexual harassment and assaults.

The Survey and Reports

CSW administered a sexual harassment survey in 2004. Comments were not included in the final report, but are available from the Council; the few below are a sample, but do not reflect the range of comments received.

"Nothing screws up productivity and ROI [Return On Investment] like sexual harassment."
"Unwelcome sexual harassment here makes me think I should never have moved to Iowa to go to ... school."
"[Dealing with inappropriate comments] ... is something that young staff should be taught how to deal with before employment starts."
"Both men and women often don't know what constitutes sexual harassment."
"Students need to know of outlets that are safe for reporting outside of the department."

The survey was completed in fall 2004; the committee's report, "Sexual Harassment and Unwelcomed Behavior at the University of Iowa," (pdf) was given to President Skorton in January 2006. Read the executive summary (pdf) of the report. Read the press release (pdf). Read the President's response (pdf). View the UI sexual harassment web site.

Presentations

Would your unit/department/college like a presentation of the 2004 survey results? Please write. You can suggest dates and times, as well as the size and make-up of the audience.

Join

If you would like to join the Unwelcome Behaviors committee, come to our next meeting. For meeting and committee information, please write.