DOD Service Academies: Further Efforts Needed to Eradicate Sexual Harassment
Abstract
Sexual harassment can be broadly defined as words, gestures, or actions with sexual connotations which are unwelcome and tend to intimidate, alarm, or abuse another person. It has been reported as a problem throughout American society, including the private sector, the federal civil service, the military, and the academic world. Accordingly, sexual harassment reflects a societal problem. A number of studies have found that more than half of the female college students surveyed reported experiencing some form of harassment. In addition, a 1993 Harris Poll of public school students in grades 8 through 11, commissioned by the American Association of University Women, showed that four of every five students have experienced some form of sexual harassment in school. The Department of Defense (DOD) established a Human Goals Charter in 1969 that calls for respect for the serviceman, servicewoman, civilian employee, and their family members. The charter is the foundation of DOD's equal opportunity programs. DOD also has a formal policy to provide "an environment free from sexual harassment." In July 1991, the Secretary of Defense directed each DOD component to implement a program to eradicate sexual harassment and established seven minimum requirements for such a program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 03, 1994
- Accession Number
- AD1174399
Entities
People
- Mark E. Gebicke
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office