It's Not OK: Sexual Harassment In The Workplace.

As women in the professional workplace, we are automatically expected to adapt to whatever rules and culture is already in place. We are expected to adhere to the men in power and do whatever they tell us to do as well as let them do what they want to us. Then, after work, we must endure the roles we are expected to perform in our homes - caring for the children, cooking the dinner, cleaning the households. There are so many expectations that women must endure on a daily basis and sexual harassment at the workplace is also something that comes with the territory.

To any normal person, this might sound appalling. It's such a shock and surprise to hear that women must be subjected to these things. That's why when the news about Harvey Weinstein came out, I was extremely annoyed to hear from people saying they they couldn't even believe it. How could this have happened? Why didn't any of these women speak up and say anything years ago? We discussed the topic of sexual harassment in the workplace and how it can happen to anyone - even men. It was very interesting to hear all of the stories from various students in the classroom sharing their experiences. I feel like I should have been shocked and surprised to hear these stories - especially coming from such young students - but I wasn't. People in power will almost always find a way to take advantage of those who aren't.

With that said, I feel like it's important for those of us graduate students who are older with more work experience to help those young students starting off in the workforce by offering them real-world advice. I have 10+ years of industry experience and I fee like I've pretty much seen and heard everything, especially when it comes to sexual harassment in the workplace. It is degrading and dirty, but I feel like it's definitely an important topic that need to discuss more openly in the future. I'm glad that Dr. Everbach brought up the Weinstein scandal tonight.