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According to research by The American Association of University Women, girls and young women experiencing unwelcome sexual advances or a hostile school environment are likely subject to the same types of impacts and adverse outcomes as adults in the workplace. The UofM Center for Research on Women (CROW) and the Memphis Area Women's Council (MAWC) have teamed up to investigate the extent and impact of the problem in Memphis. A small pilot study conducted in the Spring of 2007 by Girls for Change, a program for young women ages 13 to 17 developed by MAWC, CROW, and the University of Memphis Women’s Studies program, indicated that the problem of sexual harassment in schools was indeed prevalent in this community. To explore this problem and the potential connection between harassment and early sexual initiation, CROW and MAWC have begun a collaborative, multi-year initiative. Phase I: Understand the experiences of sexual harassment among middle and high schools girls in Memphis area public and private school systems, as well as the impact of these experiences on their academic and personal development. In 2008, with funding support from the Urban Child Institute and The University of Memphis Faculty Grants program, Phase I of the project was begun. Nearly 500 students are currently being surveyed to help researchers better understand the experiences of sexual harassment among middle and high schools students in Memphis area public and private school systems, as well as the impact of these experiences on their academic and personal development. Study results are expected in fall 2008. Phase II: Using data from Phase I, create an intervention program that will empower girls to effect change related to the conditions surrounding sexual harassment in their school environments. Phase III: Develop policy and advocacy tools for use by the young women in Girls for Change who will approach school administrators and school boards to seek change in this domain, including enacting better sexual harassment policies in the schools and implementing the peer education program. For more information contact Dr. Lynda Sagrestano at 678-2770.
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Hostile Hallways: Sexual Harassment in U.S. Middle and High SchoolsFriday, September 12, 2008 11:00 a.m. The Urban Child Institute600 Jefferson AvenueFree. Pre-registration not required. Lunch provided to first 50 participants to register on site.According to research by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), girls and women experiencing unwelcome sexual advances or a hostile school environment are likely subject to the same types of impacts and adverse outcomes as adult women in the workplace. This forum, conducted in partnership with the Shelby County Domestic Violence Council, will provide an opportunity to learn more about the extent and impact of harassment in our schools at the national and local levels. Forum speakers will include: Lynda M. Sagrestano, Ph.D., Director of the University of Memphis’ Center for Research on Women; Regina Lowery, M.A., Director of the Center’s Sexual Harassment Project; and Deborah Clubb, Executive Director of the Memphis Area Women’s Council. Call 678-2153 for more information.
Do you know a girl between 13 and 17 years of age who is ready to "take charge and make change?"Girls for Change is always ready to welcome new participants. Click here for more info.
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