Letters to the Editor

Taking action on report

To the Editor:

In a recent editorial, you rightly note that the newly created Minority Equity Committee's "work [should lead] to real changes and measurable improvement" ("A Committee for Change," The Daily Pennsylvanian, Feb. 8). We could not agree more.

Your editorial also notes, however, that the Gender Equity Report, published in December, has not led to any "substantive steps towards addressing the committee's findings." This is not accurate.

In the two months since the report was published, we have taken a number of concrete steps to correct the inequities highlighted in the report. The Office of Institutional Research and Analysis has begun a thorough examination of existing salary data and a comprehensive analysis will be developed this spring.

Additionally, the deans of the 12 schools have been asked to focus on appropriate next steps to further improve opportunities for women faculty and to develop concrete plans to address any inequities relating to women in leadership position, appointments, including senior level appointments, retention and the creation of an environment that encourages and supports the invaluable contributions of our women faculty members.

Just as with the Minority Equity Committee, we are firmly committed to translating the hard work of the Gender Equity Committee into "real changes and measurable improvement." We will provide regular updates on this important issue as we move forward with the action items generated by the report.

Barbara Lowery

Associate Provost

The writer is co-chairman of the Gender Equity Committee. Injury in itself To the Editor:

The article about the recent rape at the University City Sheraton ("Woman raped at the U. City Sheraton," DP, 2/12/02) erroneously stated that "The woman... was not injured."

This is simply false. Unwanted sexual penetration is itself injurious. Every victim and survivor of rape is injured and frequently additional injuries occur.

Any individual who has been victimized by such a heinous crime as rape knows all too well the injuries to the body, mind and spirit. To deny this reality is to demonstrate an insensitivity that many of us on this campus and in the larger community have worked to change.

It is important to recognize that victims and survivors of rape do heal and are able to rebuild their lives after such a violation has occurred. Supportive counseling with those trained in sexual assault and its impact often helps this healing process.

Penn has demonstrated its commitment to this process by supporting the Penn Women's Center as one campus resource available to help women (and men) heal from sexual and relationship violence.

Any member of our community, including those with histories of sexual assault, is welcome to make use of the Penn Women's Center at 3643 Locust Walk and our counseling, advocacy, advising, education and support services. The PWC can also be reached by e-mail at pwc@pobox.upenn.edu.

Elena DiLapi

Director, Penn Women's Center

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.