Committee to review sexual violence issues

A committee will be formed to enhance educational and outreach efforts regarding sexual violence on campus.

Announced by Harry R. Lewis, dean of Harvard College, at the May 21 meeting of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the committee, made up of faculty and students from across Harvard, will be asked “to review and make recommendations to the dean of Harvard College and to the provost on all institutional support services for victims of sexual violence and all preventive, educational, and outreach programs to reduce the incidence of sexual violence in Harvard College.”

Although the makeup of the committee is not yet complete, it will be chaired by Jennifer Leaning, professor of International Health in the Faculty of Public Health.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be asked to take on this responsibility,” said Leaning, who has extensive experience in human rights investigations, and is also an emergency room physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “This is a complex and serious issue. I hope to help guide a process that is inclusive and coherent with an outcome the entire community will feel good about.”

“The College is deeply committed to the well-being of its students and welcomes this opportunity to review preventive, educational, and other support efforts related to sexual violence on campus,” said Lewis. “Professor Leaning brings exceptional experience and leadership to this committee, and we look forward to receiving the committee’s advice. The College takes issues of sexual misconduct very seriously and will continue to support all students affected by these matters.”

An announcement of the full committee is expected before Commencement.