Message from Stephen E. Thorsett, President

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Willamette University cherishes the dignity and worth of all individuals and strives to provide a community where students, faculty, staff and others work and live together in an environment free of all forms of harassment, exploitation, intimidation and discrimination. Sexual harassment is demeaning to all persons involved, and is counter to our educational mission and commitment to non-discrimination.

The University can fulfill its distinctive mission only in an arena where ideas are vigorously debated, including those which some might find offensive, and in an arena where staff, students, and faculty respect one another's dignity in their common membership in a community of inquiry. We must take great care neither to stifle discussion nor to make it dangerous to speak one's mind. However, sexual harassment compromises academic freedom and damages the trust that we must all repose in one another and will not be tolerated. Furthermore, sexual harassment is a violation of state and federal law.

Pursuant to our goal of providing a safe learning and working environment for all members of our community, we encourage all employees of the University, including student employees, to participate in this online program designed to help each of us learn more about how to prevent all forms of discriminatory harassment on our campus. Sexual harassment can be damaging, both professionally and personally, for all involved. Whether as a reminder of something you have previously learned, or as a point of first exposure, this program is intended to help build a greater understanding of this volatile and challenging issue.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this program and for your commitment to helping ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all Willamette community members. If you have any questions about the content of this program, please contact the Director of Human Resources at (503) 370-6210. To find out about Willamette’s other options for learning about sexual harassment, contact our Training Resources Center at (503) 370-6631.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Stephen E. Thorsett
President