Former Cornell Instructor Discusses Sexual Harassment Allegations

Lin Farley, a former Cornell University instructor, expressed her lack of surprise over recent allegations at the Ivy League school. In the 1970s, Farley played a significant role in popularizing the term “sexual harassment.” She originally introduced the term during testimony at a New York City Human Rights Commission hearing on women in the workplace in April 1975.

Farley, now 84, told Newsweek that she believes little has changed since she helped bring attention to the issues decades ago. “It was a fact of life at Cornell,” she said, emphasizing her unsurprised reaction to the news. Farley described Cornell as a “big fraternity university,” especially in light of allegations against fraternity members accused of gang rape in November 2024.

If you understand what the fraternities do, Cornell supports that 100 percent.

The accuser claimed she was sexually assaulted after being incapacitated by alcohol. Her lawsuit against seven fraternity members follows the closure of an investigation that resulted in no charges. New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently appointed a special prosecutor to further investigate the case.

Farley asserted that the university and legal authorities failed the accuser. “Cornell basically just doesn’t do anything,” she stated, recalling agreement with her views during her tenure at the university from 1974 to 1976. She advised female students to be cautious, stating, “If you’re a Cornell co-ed, good luck.”

In 1978, Farley authored “Sexual Shakedown: The Sexual Harassment of Women on the Job,” where she detailed workplace exploitation. Reflecting on the current situation, she remarked that little progress has been made over the past five decades. “Cornell is like an embarrassment; it’s not even a decent university,” Farley said.

Despite these sentiments, Farley praised Governor Hochul for her decision to involve state Attorney General Letitia James in the investigation. “I have faith in the governor,” Farley shared, expressing confidence in Hochul’s intentions.