Former Cornell Instructor Speaks on Sexual Harassment

Lin Farley, a former instructor at Cornell University and a pivotal figure in popularizing the term “sexual harassment” in the 1970s, shared her thoughts on the recent allegations at the institution. In an interview with Newsweek, Farley, who first used the term in 1975 during a hearing on women in the workplace, expressed little surprise at the ongoing issues at Cornell.

“It was a fact of life at Cornell,” Farley, 84, stated. She reflected on the institution’s history, labeling it a “big fraternity university.” Her comments come in the wake of a lawsuit filed by a woman who accused fraternity members of gang rape in November 2024. The woman reported her assault to campus police and discussed it with university investigators. However, the investigation was closed without charges.

“If you understand what the fraternities do, Cornell supports that 100 percent,” said Farley. She expressed belief that the accuser was failed by police and prosecutors, echoing the concerns of New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Hochul appointed a special prosecutor to investigate the case further.

Farley lamented the university’s handling of such issues, remarking, “You know, it’s been a while, I haven’t thought about it, but I do know when I was there, everybody agreed with me. Cornell was just a joke. They don’t do anything except support the fraternities.”

During her tenure at Cornell from 1974 to 1976, Farley advised female students to be cautious. She underscored the persistence of these issues, despite her efforts to raise awareness over five decades ago.

Farley authored “Sexual Shakedown: The Sexual Harassment of Women on the Job” in 1978, highlighting workplace exploitation. Yet, she acknowledged that little has changed since then. “Nothing has changed. And I don’t think anything will change,” she stated.

Despite her criticisms, Farley praised Governor Hochul for appointing state Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor in the investigation. “I have faith in the governor,” Farley told Newsweek. “I think she’s a decent person and wants to do the right thing.”

Cornell University had not responded to Farley’s comments by early Friday.