Graduate Student and Faculty Experiences with Sexual Harassment in Higher Education

• In Event: Roundtable: Research on Trauma and Victimization

Abstract

Sexual harassment can occur in any work or school environment. There has been intense concern about sexual assault and harassment of undergraduate students, though faculty and graduate students are also at risk for experiencing sexual harassment. Graduate students are in a unique position where they are both university employees and students, causing a complex power differential. Though faculty are at a higher status of power, they can also experience harassment by peers or students. Experiences of harassment specific to graduate students and faculty are understudied, but require attention. This roundtable discusses the findings from a study that explored the prevalence of graduate student and faculty sexual harassment experiences and the relation to subsequent academic and social disengagement. We also present preliminary findings regarding the reporting of harassment, including barriers to reporting identified by the study participants. Roundtable attendees are invited to participate in a discussion about the occurrence and consequences of sexual harassment in higher education.

Authors

• Anne Kirkner, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Katherine Lorenz, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Laurel Mazar, University of Illinois at Chicago