Elena Silva Quotations

The results of our research are clear: Most college students encounter sexual harassment on their campus. Many, particularly young women, are embarrassed, angered, scared and disappointed in their college experience as a result. And, as a whole, college students do not have a clear or shared understanding of what to do about sexual harassment.

The primary form of harassment that we're seeing is actually non-contact: it tends to be remarks, gestures and jokes. But the fact that one-third of college students are experiencing some form of physical harassment is certainly a concern.

Students wisely see and understand that sexual harassment includes a range of behaviors that are not necessarily illegal or criminal.

We have a real contradiction where students are saying, on the one hand, it's no big deal and didn't report it ... but on the other hand, they say, 'Yes, I was upset by it, yes, it made me feel bad about myself.

The goal of (the report) was to shed awareness on harassment and assess the campus climate. We hope to promote dialogue and hope it extends beyond the student body to the faculty and administrations at universities.

As these young adults will graduate and bring their attitudes and behaviors into the workplace and society, we must recognize that this is an issue for all of us.

Sexual harassment is common among today's undergraduate students, so common that it seems normal.