TO THE EDITOR:
In response to the letter regarding the redefinition of UNC’s sexual harassment policy (“UNC’s sexual harassment policy should be amended,” Sept. 30), I have to argue that the author’s suggestion completely misses the policy’s most basic goal.
The sexual harassment policy exists so groups that are socially or institutionally discouraged from addressing unwarranted sexual advances do not have to speak out to avoid uncomfortable sexual situations.
“Sexual harassment” coming from a woman or a member of a minority sexual orientation does not have the same social and/or institutional implications as it does coming from members of the majority, who are encouraged to reassert their institutional privileges and social expectations through sexual domination.
Thus, restructuring the sexual harassment policy to make a “rational and fair policy” in which one has to ask to stop being sexually harassed is completely against the point. The purpose of sexual harassment policy is meant to make harassers think about the consequences of their actions before they act.
So that’s hard to follow because it’s vague? Good! The current policy is both purposefully inclusive in its latitude and preventative of those acts that could potentially cause uncomfortable sexual situations to avoid harassment in the first place.
Creating a policy in which those who are subjected to sexual harassment must call out their perpetrators will repress opposition to sexual harassment.
The “fair” policy will only result in slowing a movement toward sexual equality and a community where people are aware of the many facets of sexual harassment.
Katy Koesy
Junior
Journalism and Public Policy Analysis
