The Incident

Amidst our conversations about gender-based violence, two of our members were involved in sexual harassment from a male member of another group visiting Kenyatta University and living alongside us in the KU conference center. He made unacceptable comments and sexual advances toward some of us, which threatened the comfort and safety of our group. When the incident was reported, the individual became very disrespectful and defensive, refusing to recognize the harm of his actions. Some of the conference center staff seem to not have grasped the seriousness of the incident at first, and thus they didn't take immediate action against the individual except to issue a verbal warning. This left one of our peers feeling dismissed and unheard.

Having been upset by the incident, one of our members, along with Dr. Jalloh and Dr. Breitwieser, spoke up about the incident; expressed discomfort and frustration; and pushed for a resolution beyond a verbal warning. In particular, the perpetrator remained in the space for two days after the incident, which left the group disturbed and meant one of us needed to be escorted by others around the conference center. Because of our group’s determination and willingness to support each other, we were able to have this individual removed from the conference center; be reprimanded by the hotel staff, the International Programs office, his supervisor, and our Hollins faculty; and face other consequences. 

A massive thank you to the KU staff. They listened, helped us make changes in reporting and hotel policy at KU, and ensured the safety of not only our group and potential future groups from Hollins, but also students of KU.