Conflicts related to sexual harassment have increased from last year, according to the 2023-24 annual report from Penn’s Office of the Ombuds.
The report was released on Feb. 18 and published in the Almanac. According to the report, seven instances of sexual harassment were discussed with the office, compared to six in the 2022-23 report. The increase continues an upward trend in reported sexual harassment since the 2019-20 academic year.
While no sexual harassment complaints were reported by the office from 2012-2017, cases surged to five in the 2017-18 academic year — marking a five-year high. The 2017-18 report indicated that the increase was likely the result of a change in University policy that designated the Ombuds Office as a confidential resource for instances of sexual harassment and sexual violence.
The University’s Ombuds Office website describes the office as an off-the-record resource that assists “with the management of conflicts, resolution of disputes, and problem solving in relation to obstacles hindering a person's full and successful participation as a member of the Penn community.” While it is not authorized to accept formal complaints on behalf of Penn or participate in formal hearings or investigation processes, it assists visitors by listening to concerns, informally “mediat[ing] specific disputes,” “clarify[ing] and examin[ing] university policies and procedures,” and connecting visitors with “appropriate resources within the University.”
During the 2023-24 academic year, the office experienced a 6% increase in visitors, according to the report. Of those visitors, 42% were staff, 19% were faculty, 17% were graduate or professional students, 10% were postdoctoral trainees, and 11% were undergraduates.
Employment issues represented 40% of the issues brought to the Ombuds Office — the largest proportion of conflicts. Academic-related issues were the second-largest group, at 23%.
Work-related stress and work-life balance were main concerns among visitors. Other prominent issues were related to a lack of clear communication by managers and changing expectations surrounding on-site and remote work schedules.
In its report, the Ombuds Office called for Penn community members to be mindful of their behavior and relationship with others.
“Penn is a collection of over 50,000 human beings and conflicts and disputes will inevitably occur,” the report stated. “The problematic behaviors we learn about in the Office of the Ombuds do not have to follow. We encourage members of the Penn community who find themselves in conflict or a dispute with others to reach out to the Office of the Ombuds before the matter escalates, when an amicable resolution can still be achieved.”
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