I want to respond to the letter from Lois Yoshishige, SEIU past president, and others published in the May 18 edition of the Oregon Daily Emerald. Yoshishige claims that an atmosphere exists in many University departments that “fosters workplace harassment and sexual harassment toward classified employees.”
University leadership takes these matters very seriously and does not tolerate behavior that constitutes illegal discrimination, harassment or threats of violence in the workplace. Oregon statutes and administrative rules, as well as collective bargaining contractual language, prohibit illegal discrimination, including sexual harassment. Human Resources staff has led numerous training programs to promote a respectful work environment at the departmental and university-wide levels. Grievance and complaint options are available to faculty, classified staff and students who want to report an incident or file a complaint.  In addition, Human Resources staff members have and will continue to meet regularly with SEIU representatives and other employees who wish to raise concerns and follow up on reports.
These serious issues can only be effectively addressed if they are reported to the appropriate office. Specifics regarding incidents reported through official channels are essential to an effective institutional response.
Linda King
Associate Vice President for Human Resources