HBS Disciplines Students For Sexual Harassment

Six male Harvard Business School (HBS) students have been officially sanctioned more than 18 months after the first allegations of sexual harassment were brought against them.

The harassment included notes sent during classes, unwelcome physical contact and violations of privacy.

According to a memo distributed to the HBS community by the Faculty and Staff Standards Committee (FSSC) "these behaviors seriously interfered with the ability of other students to learn."

The victims include both males and females. The disciplined students were members of the same section, a group of about 80 students that work closely together on projects while at HBS.

The notes focused on individuals and were of a sexually explicit nature.

"They would comment on these individuals personally, making comments about what behaviors they might engage in, behaviors of a pretty salacious sort,' said HBS Dean Kim B. Clark in the Boston Globe.

The pattern of harassment continued during the entire academic year 1996-1997 despite complaints by both students and section leaders. According to the Harbus, the independent HBS student newspaper, a letter was sent to members of the section in May 1997 acknowledging the delay in addressing the incidents and requesting student aid in identifying the perpetrators.

Sources say it took over a year to begin an official investigation into the incidents because the victims were reluctant to bring formal complaints.

Action was further delayed because the FSSC was in the process of revising its procedures, which left the proper course of action unclear. Eventually, under faculty and student pressure, the FSSC brought the complaints itself. The investigation then took several months.

"The process of bringing the situation to the FSSC and ultimately to closure has taken us far too long," Clark said in a letter to the HBS community. "I apologize for that." Students say they are frustrated the complaints were not addressed earlier.

According to Myra M. Hart an assistant professor, the slow process "brought to our attention that it has to be made more simple and direct." Hart said she and others felt confusion about how to make their grievances heard. They asked "who to talk to and what can we do to make this happen?"

"Our whole review system was in flux," Hart said. She added that the female faculty members were kept abreast of developments by Clark, ho held at least two meetings to explain the process.

"Of course we wish that this had been handled immediately," Julia A. Clarkson and Sarah DiTroia, co-presidents of the Women's Student Association, wrote in an e-mail. "But [we] believe that the school is committed to educating the community and being proactive in the future."

The six perpetrators will be required to perform community service, and some will be barred from attending graduation ceremonies. All will receive diplomas this June.

"If any actions like those dealt with here should occur in the future, they will be met a prompt and severe disciplinary response," the FSSC said.

"The process of bringing the situation to the FSSC and ultimately to closure has taken us far too long. I apologize for that."  Kim B. Clark, Dean of HBS

According to Myra M. Hart an assistant professor, the slow process "brought to our attention that it has to be made more simple and direct." Hart said she and others felt confusion about how to make their grievances heard. They asked "who to talk to and what can we do to make this happen?"

"Our whole review system was in flux," Hart said. She added that the female faculty members were kept abreast of developments by Clark, ho held at least two meetings to explain the process.

"Of course we wish that this had been handled immediately," Julia A. Clarkson and Sarah DiTroia, co-presidents of the Women's Student Association, wrote in an e-mail. "But [we] believe that the school is committed to educating the community and being proactive in the future."

The six perpetrators will be required to perform community service, and some will be barred from attending graduation ceremonies. All will receive diplomas this June.

"If any actions like those dealt with here should occur in the future, they will be met a prompt and severe disciplinary response," the FSSC said.

"The process of bringing the situation to the FSSC and ultimately to closure has taken us far too long. I apologize for that."  Kim B. Clark, Dean of HBS