Getting to the Left of Sharp: Lessons Learned from West Point's Efforts to Combat Sexual Harassment and Assault

On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, ending the practice of segregating the military services by race. That same year, the Army allowed women to join the services on an equal basis with men. Both of these steps preceded the larger societal changes that allowed fully equal treatment of all types of American citizens in military service. Just over 2 years ago, Congress repealed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, allowing for gays and lesbians to openly take their place in the military. West Point fully integrated women nearly 40 years ago, with the class of 1980. In that time, our procedures and policies for successful gender integration have grown and evolved. The authors share five principles for leaders and commanders on the prevention of sexual harassment and assault, as well as associated "Tips" for implementation: (1) Leaders identify and break chains of circumstance; (2) Education is preferable to litigation; (3) What's electronic is public; (4) Don't ignore pornography; and (5) Unit climate is the commander's responsibility. These principles and their associated tips are not panaceas, and these recommendations are submitted for discussion and feedback. Primarily written for the U.S. Army personnel, but it can easily be adapted to other branches of the U.S. and foreign militaries. The authors represent points of view on how to handle sexual abuse and harassment cases while trying to change the mindset of those that engage in this behavior. Students pursuing coursework in psychology and psychiatry may also be interested in this resource.

ROBERT L. CASLEN, JR., is a lieutenant general in the U.S. Army and currently serves as the 59th Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He previously served as the Chief of the Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq and as the commander of the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, KS. His awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and others. Lieutenant General Caslen holds master's degrees from Long Island University and Kansas State University and is a 1975 graduate of West Point.

CINDY R. JEBB is a colonel in the U.S. Army and currently serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Social Sciences at West Point. She has authored or co-authored three books; conducted human security research in Africa; and completed study projects in Iraq, Djibouti, and Afghanistan. Her awards and decorations include a Legion of Merit and a Meritorious Service Medal. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Colonel Jebb is a 1982 graduate of West Point, and holds an M.A. from the Naval War College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from Duke University.

DANIEL GADE is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army and currently serves in the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic at West Point. He previously served in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, as an Associate Director of Domestic Policy at the White House, and as a tank company commander. His awards and decorations include a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, Presidential Service Badge, and others. Lieutenant Colonel Gade is a 1997 graduate of West Point and holds an M.P.A. and Ph.D. in public administration and policy from the University of Georgia.

HOPE C. LANDSEM is a senior cadet at the U.S. Military Academy and is pursuing a double major in economics and American politics. She will graduate from West Point in May 2015.