Susan Ager at the Detroit Free Press laments that sexual harassment is still the norm at college campuses, just as it was thirty years ago when she attended college.
[A] survey released this week, by the American Association of University Women, polled 2,036 students, men and women. It defined sexual harassment broadly: "unwanted and unwelcome sexual behavior which interferes with your life."
Almost two-thirds of the students said, "Yep, that happened to me."
Fewer, about a quarter, reported specific, hands-on incidents. Seven percent had clothing pulled down or up or off. Five percent were asked for sex in return for a better grade, class notes or another bennie.
But wait: These 2,036 students were not just victims. Half the men and a third of the women admitted they'd harassed others -- mostly, they said, because "I thought it was funny."
Elena Silva, who directed the study, said in a press conference that sexual harassment has become such a normal part of college that those who tease and taunt and touch "see themselves as misunderstood comedians who are doing what is acceptable, even expected."
Even some of the victims agreed. Few had complained.
"It wasn't that big a deal," one junior told the survey team. "I didn't want anybody to get in trouble, or make myself look childish."
Ms. Ager is wringing her hands over this situation, but she doesn't dare strike at the chalice of campus life: sexuality itself.
College brings together men and women nearing the peak of physical beauty and energy, but they're still in the valley of discretion. In such an environment, sexual activity is going to take place. Sexuality is in the air, and everything is going to get tainted with it, especially in the area of play.
Feminists who get upset about the harassment want it to stop, but they're not willing to address the root problem of sexuality on campus in general. In this, they're kind of like some religious zealots who want the sexual activity to stop, but without acknowledging that college campuses are sexual energy zones and (this is the important part) always will be.
So what do I propose? I say, "Simply acknowledge the reality and the problem." Acknowledge that kids will be kids, because--despite their physical appearance--that's what they are. Reverse the educational reforms from the 1960s through the early 2000s that encouraged sexuality. The reforms were remarkably stupid. It is the proverbial kerosene on a strong fire: the fire didn't need the kerosene, and now that college reforms (co-ed dorms, then floors, then suites; removal of discipline for illicit sex) have added it, the fire is burning out of control.
