It was recently announced that an astounding 113 cases of sexual harassment have been reported by the University of California school system. The incidents occurred at schools in Los Angeles and San Diego, and covered a span of three years, from January 1, 2013 through April 6, 2016.
The stories are as varied as they are appalling. In one incident, an employee who was later fired left sex toys in another employee’s work area. Another case involved a professor who wrote a graduate student hundreds of letters professing his love. A woman at one school claims her supervisor repeatedly put his face into her neck, allegedly to smell her perfume.
Allegations ranged from sexual innuendos and unwanted sexual contact to sexual assault. The victims included students, cafeteria workers, and nurses. The accused included custodians, professors, and even a dean. Some believe this may be only the tip of the iceberg.
A new system-wide policy prohibiting sexual harassment and sexual violence has been put into place in effort to better prevent, investigate, and adjudicate these crimes. The school system now also requires faculty, staff, and students to undergo annual sexual harassment prevention training. Some critics question the sincerity of this move, believing that it is more about reducing the university’s liability.
Victims of sexual abuse or harassment experience trauma that can last a lifetime. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, the Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. can help. Please call 215-569-1999, or contact us online to arrange a free, confidential consultation. We represent clients throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, including those in South Jersey.
