NEWS

On December 8, 2023, the 26th Human Rights Seminar, entitled "Prevention of Harassment on Campus: With a Focus on the Prevention of Gender and Sexual Harassment" was held. This seminar is held every year around Human Rights Day (December 10) by the ICU Human Rights Committee and the Human Rights Advisory Board, which conduct educational activities and counseling regarding human rights.

This year's speaker was Tomoko Shimizu, a visiting lecturer at the Japan Institute for Women's Empowerment & Diversity Management. Ms. Shimizu's lecture focused on sexual harassment on campus, where she talked about the characteristics, background, and why sexual harassment is an issue, referring to case studies, and preventive measures so that all members on campus can avoid becoming victims, perpetrators, or bystanders.

During the lecture, Ms. Shimizu talked about how, in universities in general, all members of the executive office, faculty, staff, and students have the potential to become perpetrators or victims depending on their various standpoints. Moreover, she pointed out that despite the fact that universities consist of members with diverse values, individuals in positions of power may force their unconscious biases, which can often lead to harassment.

Sexual harassment consists of "quid pro quo" harassment, where an individual is put at a disadvantage through rejecting or resisting a sexual advance, and "hostile environment" harassment, where an individual feels that their learning environment is made unpleasant due to a sexual speech or conduct which subsequently has a serious effect on their performance ability. Both inflict damage on the individual's dignity and it is not uncommon for an individual to experience poor mental health. A situation may develop where the person committing the act is held criminally liable.

In the lecture, Ms. Shimizu mentioned that when experiencing sexual victimization, it is important to say "No, don't" and "It's bothering me" clearly (there is no need to worry about the perpetrator), to record factors such as the time and place of the sexual harassment, how you felt, as well as taking a screenshot, and to seek the advice from someone you trust. Furthermore, the lecture emphasized the importance for universities to provide a place where victims can safely seek advice, and to respect the victim's wishes when taking action.

As a university that respects the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of ICU's basic policies is to provide an education, research, and working environment that is free from human rights violations, and to ensure a safe campus for its members. The lecture provided participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding regarding concrete harassment preventive measures.

ICU provides a link that explains the ways to seek advice after experiencing harassment. Please take a look here.