Women’s advancement in the workplace

In a recent opinion piece, “Ruined by lies and truths” (Feb. 13), Marilyn Calkins suggests that victims of sexual harassment in the workplace know “what is ‘required’ of them to get ahead.” She’s right. Women, in particular, are aware their chances of being sexually harassed or assaulted in a professional environment are much greater than those of their male colleagues. They enter the workforce knowing they’re expected to remain silent when such acts transpire. Women are also aware they exist in a society that perpetuates a culture in which they can only advance professionally if they stay quiet.

However, it is obscene to say that those who have come forward have no right to do so because they were willingly sexually harassed or assaulted to advance in their work. No one is willingly sexually harassed, sexually assaulted or raped. The very definitions of those terms imply an inherent lack of consent.

I applaud the bravery and courage of those coming forward. I commend their commitment to ensuring that the culture surrounding sexual harassment and assault is changed from one in which victims are expected to stay quiet to one in which such occurrences are universally agreed to be completely unacceptable.

Holly Hagstrom

Spokane