Open Letter: On Sexual Assault at Harvard

Dear administrators of Harvard University,

As leaders, students, and, most importantly, members of the Harvard community, we are writing to express our deep concern for Harvard University’s inadequate response to the results of the Sexual Conduct Survey. As a survivor-led and ally-supported campaign, we believe it is time to stop waiting for the administration to take necessary steps and instead take action ourselves.

Last November, we organized a rally in Harvard Yard in order to raise support and awareness for those who have experienced rape and sexual assault. Over 200 community members stood in solidarity to listen to survivors and allies share their powerful stories. Students and faculty of the College spoke about the urgency of sexual assault on the University’s campus and the University’s obligation to make Harvard safe for everyone.

In light of the administration's continued stall in addressing this critical issue, we have decided to write this letter. We hope to focus our efforts on strengthening the Harvard community and ending sexual assault from within through awareness and education efforts. Our three main requests are more funding for the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, extensive and uniform training for all SASH tutors, and mandatory sexual assault prevention education for the entire student body, every year.

The petition outlining these three conditions has received over 230 signatures to date.

Clearly, these concerns held by our community must be addressed, and they must be addressed now. Please help us in making our campus a safer and more welcoming environment by instituting the changes listed in the petition. We are sure that we can all agree that every Harvard community member deserves to feel safe.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss these matters with you directly.

Sincerely,
Andrea Ortiz & Eriko Kay

Eriko Kay '16 is a visual and environmental studies and studies of women, gender, & sexuality joint concentrator living in Lowell House. Andrea Ortiz '16 is a social studies concentrator living in Kirkland House. Both students helped organize a November 19 rally for action on sexual assault at Harvard.