Yale College's Grievance Procedure

Sexual harassment is an issue that many women face within academia, the workplace, and even in positions of military or government service. The debate over how to define sexual harassment and what laws should be in place to protect women against it has been prevalent since the early 1960s. In order to combat sexual harassment specifically within colleges and universities, there needs to be less victim blaming, a clear and unanimous definition of the term, and establishment of clear guidelines in place for the process of coming forward based on Yale College’s grievance procedure.
Sexual harassment has been studied by many feminist scholars within recent years. However, it is not a new issue. The presence of addressing this matter grew out of
Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational program receiving federal money and requires academic institutions to establish a grievance procedure. However, just the establishment of a procedure is not sufficient if sexual harassment is to be combatted on campus. Yale College is a great example of an effective grievance system for sexual harassment. In Judith Berman Brandenburg’s “Sexual Harassment in the University: Guidelines for Establishing a Grievance Procedure” Brandenburg explains that “[Yale’s] grievance board hears complaints of sexual harassment brought by undergraduates against any employee of the university (e.g., faculty, administration, staff, etc.). The board's function is to accept complaints, mediate between parties, and, when necessary, to recommend action by the dean or other administrators. Since the board acts in an advisory capacity, the cooperation of the academic community is essential. The board consists of seven members, including two administrators, two faculty members, two students, and one person with counseling experience. (The size and membership of a grievance board may vary with the nature of the institution and constituencies to be served, but it is recommended that, if possible, women and men be equally represented on the board.) Initially, the dean selects the board, basing the choice on recommendations from individuals and groups in the college community and aiming to form a group that will offer continuity, experience, and sensitivity to the concerns of those most profoundly affected by sexual harassment, especially undergraduate women…Once a grievance board has been established, it must draw clear guidelines on how to file a