Miss America 2003 promotes anti-harassment legislation

Miss America 2003, Erika Harold, addressed a small audience in McCosh 50 last night in her speech entitled "Empowering Youth Against Violence — Respect Yourself, Protect Yourself." The event was cosponsored by SHARE and the Black History Month Committee.

Harold has spent her reign traveling the country educating both children and adults about sexual and racial harassment and promoting the adoption of anti-harassment legislation.

"I hope to raise this issue to the level of national consciousness," Harold said. "A lot of people believe the things people say about them. It's an assault on the soul. It's an assault on the psyche. It makes you doubt your own value."

Harold spent yesterday visiting local schools to initiate dialogue among students and teachers about harassment, a problem she believes is too often overlooked.

"Ask a group of students to raise their hands if they've been a victim, and almost every hand goes up," she said.

She also speaks to adult audiences about the importance of passing legislation to aid those who have been harassed in schools.

Harold promotes school policies that will require teachers to intervene in instances of harassment. The greatest barrier schools face in adopting such policies, she said, is people not realizing that measures are necessary.

'Personal responsibility'

"All the legislation in the world is not going to stop this," Harold said. "People need to take personal responsibility for themselves and their kids."

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Harold's message is rooted in her personal experience as a victim of both sexual and racial harassment in middle school.

Harold recounted stories of taunting songs, of vandalism that prompted her family to call the police "seven to nine times" during her ninth grade year and of failing swim class despite her abilities because her teacher believed that due to "higher bone density" black people could not swim.

When Harold brought complaints about being harassed to her school's principle, she said he responded by saying, ''If you would be more submissive like other women, this wouldn't happen to you."

Harold said that she her position as Miss America — an inherently public role — helps to de-stigmatize the usually sensitive topic of harassment.

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SHARE coordinator Thema Bryant-Davis said Harold's visit was a good way to draw student interest in the topic.

"One in ten students report they've experienced sexual harassment. I think it's important to find diverse ways to bring this message to students," Bryant-Davis said.

Attendees praised Harold's delivery.

"She was an impressive speaker, poised on stage, and very well-informed on her platform and other contemporary issues," said Ashley Sennett '05 said.

Erica Jones '06, a representative of the Black History Month Committee also applauded Harold's visit.

"It was a good opportunity to bring a Miss America on campus, especially one of color," said Jones. "Sexual harassment and violence is not something in the forefront of our minds and it's important to address."