Victorious Voices: Legal and Social Triumphs against Sexual Harassment in Higher Education—A Case Study

Abstract

Sexual harassment in academia has gained attention due to legislative measures, university mechanisms, and student solidarity networks. This article explores the factors contributing to survivors winning when suing their university. The case described here relates to a North American university in a state with regulations against harassment and an active student movement. It delves into a case at the University of California, Irvine, where four individuals sued for the mishandling of sexual harassment complaints, resulting in the dismissal of a prominent professor. Drawing on data from the EU UniswithHeart research project, the article analyzes the impact of solidarity networks and the trial outcome. Through desk research and qualitative interviews, it identifies key elements leading to legal victories against universities, even in the case of a professor who made a big donation to the university, who was banned from campus, and who had his name removed from buildings. This study shows ten aspects that lead to winning a harassment case within universities, emphasizing the importance of addressing the consequences of harassment. It also illustrates the improvement of the academic environment and science when eliminating the hostile climate and silence. Successful outcomes inspire other survivors and urge universities to uphold policies for a safer academic environment.

Keywords

• sexual harassment
• university accountability
• solidarity networks
• survivors
• women in science