“And when I meet Thomas Jefferson . . . I’m ‘a compel him to include women in the sequel!” – Angelica Schuyler[1] ********** The nation is beginning to reckon with darker features of its history. The grappling process has run the gamut from racism to LGBTQ+ discrimination. Thankfully, these conversations have extended to include systemic sexism and gender discrimination. But one wave for which this tide has not crested is that of our nation’s historic—and continued—use of the word “He” to ... continue reading...
COVID-19, Lockdowns and Street Harassment: what we can learn from empty streets
"You're maybe the last person I could rape; come here." “A month ago, as I was leaving to do my shopping, a man in a car ran me over as I was about to cross the street, stopped at my level, insulted me, and threatened me with rape, because I had not responded to his heavy flirting.” “Today I decided to walk home from my jog, to enjoy the sun. A very tall and muscular man with his medical mask, which only showed his eyes, saw me arriving in the distance; he put his hand in his ... continue reading...
Statement of Solidarity
The Journal of Law and Gender stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. We are appalled by the senseless murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Sean Reed, Nina Pop, Tony McDade, George Floyd, Elijah McClain, and so many more. We implore both Harvard University and Harvard Law School to commit their abundant resources to eradicating police brutality, investing in Black schools and neighborhoods, and investing in their Black students. JLG has long been committed to exploring ... continue reading...
Shaking the Tree: Using Advocacy to Push School Districts to Meet Their Obligations Under Title IX
In September 2018, I, like many women, was glued to my television watching Christine Blasey Ford testify about the indelible mark left by the sexual assault she had experienced as a high school student. For days, I kept thinking about her story and about all the stories that women like her had experienced and never spoken about, including me. One morning I was compelled to write them down, and only then did I realize how many instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment I had experienced in ... continue reading...
Title IX Comments: Spotlight on Survivors of Sexual Assault
Title IX states that no person should be discriminated against on the basis of sex in any educational programs or activities that receive federal funding. Betsy DeVos, the current Secretary of Education, has proposed rules redefining several aspects of Title IX. The Harvard Journal of Law and Gender has collected comments on this significant rule change from a wide variety of sources. This week our spotlight is on comments regarding survivors of sexual assault. The new rule significantly ... continue reading...