Greve was the only panelist who suggested that the seriousness of the issue of sexual harassment is overblown. One of the negative outcomes of our raised consciousness, he said, is that some people are overly sensitive. "It is inherent in this sexual harassment crusade that it has no respect for free speech and no respect at all for due process."

At one point dialogue became testy as he invited the panelists to come with him to his office -- the same building where, he said, Hill was "coached by the best lawyers in the country" for her appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Her testimony nearly derailed the Thomas nomination.

Hill said Greve expresses a common myth that women cannot be trusted to assess their own experience and their own reactions. But she said that the opposite is true. "Most women don't make claims and that they tend to minimize the behavior and find other ways than complaining," she said.

Greve said that often just being accused can ruin a person's career and offers an accused person little choice except to admit an offense and make a settlement.

The other panelists responded that while there may be some unwarranted cases being filed, the vast majority are real cases and we should not be distracted by those who clearly believe that sexual harassment in an untruthful crusade.

Some practical tips were offered to help women to respond to sexual harassment:

* Communicate that the attention is unwelcome.

* Maintain a written record.

* Talk to other employees to see if they have encountered the same behavior.

* Report to the supervisor and ask that steps be taken to stop the behavior.

* Report through union, administrative or legal channels

COPYRIGHT 1996 Cox, Matthews & Associates
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group