Grievances overlooked

Sexual harassment on university campuses

By Eva Ling

According to the Equal Opportun- ities Commission, there were two complaints regarding sexual harassment in education in 2000.

This represents a sharp drop from 1999, when 13 complaints were recorded, but the actual number of cases is greater.

Mr. Josiah Chok, a senior equal opportunities officer at the Equal Opportunities Commission, said, “There are cases that are internally investigated.

“Harassers are penalised by the universities themselves.

“These cases are not known to the public, so we are unable to estimate the number of these ‘hidden’ cases.

“We have received enquiries from certain student organisations,” said Mr. Chok, “Some may even help victims in lodging complaints.”

The Equal Opportunities Commission asks complainants to describe the proceedings in detail, according to Mr. Chok.

The case is resolved either through conciliation or in court.

Said he: “Usually 40 percent of cases end up in discontinuation of investigation.”

In case the complainant wants to settle the matter in court, the commission provides legal advice and aid.

Mr. Walker Fung is the president of the Student Union at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

He said university administrators tended to handle sexual harassment complaints internally.

“Little attention is paid to the rights and feelings of victims,” said he. “They just care about the university’s reputation.

“Whenever there is a complaint, the staff explain to the victim that the procedures of lodging a complaint are troublesome, time-consuming and stressful.”

Students seem to have few chances to air their grievances.

“Staffers rarely suggest other channels for complaints. They just want the incident to be covered up,” Mr. Fung said.

He said the student union contacts external organisations to seek advice for victims.

The Association for the Advancement of Feminism advises them on legal matters.

A request for an interview with the Security Unit at the Chinese University was rejected.

Mr. Chok suggested universities could have full-time equal opportunities officers to handle sexual harassment cases on campuses.

“The University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Polytechnic University already have their own officers.”

At the Chinese University, there is a sexual harassment handling committee.

“Also, it would be better if universities set guidelines to provide a clear definition of sexual harassment,” said Mr. Chok.

Said Mr. Chok: “The existing sex discrimination ordinance is not effective enough and should be reviewed.

“Students are easily engaged in a sexually hostile environment because they often talk about indecent topics,” he said.

The Sex Discrimination Ordinance recognises sexual harassment cases only when there is a definite relationship between the victim and the harasser.

For example, one cannot complain that he or she is being sexually harassed by a passer-by, according to the Ordinance.

Because universities are open to the public, it is hard to prevent sexual harassment on campuses, especially when the harasser is from off campus.

Mr. Chok said, “In such cases, the victim can only lodge his or her complaint to the police and the case would be regarded as an indecent assault.”

To arouse social concern about sexual harassment, the Equal Opportunities Commission has organised a number of promotional campaigns like docu-dramas produced by Radio Television Hong Kong and drama tours in schools.