A Voice for the Voiceless

I would like to respond to Caitlin Johnson's Viewpoint "Our Vaginas, Ourselves" (Feb. 23).

Last Friday I was part of the Office of Equal Opportunity's training for Sexual Harassment Resource Persons. As University Chaplain, I would like to be the Voice of the Voiceless here at Tufts University. Who speaks for all the many dedicated professional workers and staff folks; administrative and staff assistances, secretaries, Dean's Staff, H.R., Publication & Library staffs, Dining Services and Facilities workers.

The definition for sexual harassment "is such conduct, whether verbal or physical, has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual's academic or work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment in which to work or learn."

People have the ability to freely choose to see or not see the production of the Vagina Monologues. People do not have a choice when drawings or slang terms are written/painted on main walkways. There are more than just university students on this campus. Some workers are very offended by the use of slang terms written or painted on main walkways. If reported to a supervisor and the supervisor did nothing, then the worker could sue both the supervisor and the University for allowing an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment to exist. I would also like to be the Voice for the Voiceless students of religious and spiritual backgrounds who have expressed that their personal sense of modesty has been assaulted.

I would not want to see more laws or legislation. For many religious or spiritual persons, the body is a very private matter. Maybe there is needed a new level of respect for the modesty of all workers and students.



Rev. David O'Leary

University Chaplain