Orientation Programs Do Include Sexual Harassment

To the editor:

In your article titled "Knowles: Serving Students Is Priority," (Oct. 28) it was reported that Harvard requires no mandatory sexual harassment and rape education for first-years during Orientation Week. However, there is such a mandatory program for all first-year students which was first implemented last year. It is called the "Safe Community" program, and it covers issues of rape, sexual assault, alcohol and the resources on campus where one can find help and support when faced with such problems. (The Crimson wrote a story on this safety program in its registration issue.) In fact, the program has been expanded to spend more time talking with students specifically about the occurrence of rape and dealing with its aftermath and trauma. The program is also reviewed and revised every year, and we look forward to having the "Safe Community" program become an even more prominent and effective part of Orientation Week.

Also, in contrast to what was written in the article titled "Coalition Vows to Fight Sexual Harassment, Broaden Awareness" (Nov. 2), there are advisers in each of the Houses and in the Yard who are receiving formal training on how to assist and help to counsel rape victims. Students may find the names of the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) advisers in the "Tell Someone" booklet they received this fall, or from their House office or the Freshman Dean's Office. KAREN E. AVERY '87   Nov. 4, 1998

The writer is Assistant Dean of Harvard College.