Continuing the #MeToo conversation

October 21, 2018

Dear members of the Mount Holyoke community,

Last week, we held two forums — one with students and one with faculty — to discuss historical allegations that were reported in a Washington Post article, as well as the broader context of the #MeToo movement and how we address related issues at Mount Holyoke.

We understand the stress and anxiety around this topic, and we are deeply sorry that our community is challenged by these painful issues. That is exactly why we held these forums – so that we could hear directly from you and answer your questions in the moment. I appreciate the candor with which you have shared your opinions and experiences through these forums and other channels. 

In response to the recent news and our outreach, we have heard extensive concerns about the serious disruption to the learning environment. Many students have indicated that the current situation is harmful to their own mental health. We have also received new information that requires us to conduct further inquiry.

As a result of these recent developments, and in order to ensure that the learning environment is most productive, we have canceled two courses where concerns have been raised and have informed the students enrolled in the class. The faculty member is not on campus. This process is being undertaken in accordance with college policies. We are working with the students who are impacted, providing several options to complete their credits this semester, despite their cancelled class.

As you can no doubt appreciate, it is our policy to maintain confidentiality for any students, faculty, or staff when allegations surface. While we cannot disclose details, it’s important that you know that we take these matters very seriously. Mount Holyoke is committed to a careful and thorough process of responding to any reports of misconduct. 

Since 2016, we have been consistently improving our approach and process related to Title IX issues, including: 

• hiring a Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer to work collaboratively with the Title IX Coordinator and ensuring that processes are informed by an intersectional and trauma informed approach;
• completing an external audit of procedures and implementing its recommendations; and
• updating our Student and Faculty Handbooks, faculty legislation, and Title IX policies, implementing regular community trainings regarding appropriate behavior, including adopting a policy that prohibits faculty and staff from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with students.

We continue to focus on ways to ensure that we hold to the highest standards of safety and care for the community. Our goal is for every Mount Holyoke student to have the opportunity to excel and contribute to the common good in an environment that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and women’s education and leadership.

As an institution of higher education, it is our responsibility to respond today as well as to shape our culture for future generations. To this end, we have received a number of recommendations from the campus community at the recent forums, and through emails from individuals, including many alumnae. We welcome this feedback and understand the need for the community to engage in ongoing discourse regarding these difficult issues.

The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will continue to provide opportunities for community members to participate in trainings and dialogue over the coming weeks. We will also host additional forums for students, faculty, and staff to discuss action steps we can take together as a community.  I look forward to continuing to engage in thoughtful discussions with each of you.

If you have any questions, please know that you can always reach me directly by reply to this email or on (413) 538-2500. You can also contact our Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Kijua Sanders-McMurtry, by email at kijuasm@mtholyoke.edu or by telephone on (413) 538-2800, and our Title IX Coordinator Shannon Da Silva, whose contact details are sdasilva@mtholyoke.edu or (413) 538-3642.

Sincerely,

Sonya Stephens
President