On October 5, The New York Times broke a story regarding Harvey Weinstein and allegations of sexual harassment. The article mentioned his gift to Rutgers in support of the Gloria Steinem Chair. Rutgers issued the following statement:

 

"The allegations of sexual assault and harassment of women by Harvey Weinstein are appalling and indefensible. More work is needed to advance women's equality and the $100,000 donation by Harvey Weinstein and the H. Weinstein Family Foundation to help fund the Gloria Steinem Chair in Media, Culture, and Feminist Studies will help those efforts. We think devoting these funds to advance women's equality is a better use of the dollars than returning the donation to Harvey Weinstein and the H. Weinstein Family Foundation. The chair, which is funded by more than 425 donors, honors the work of one of the nation's greatest women's rights advocates."

 

We at IWL support the university's statement and the courageous victims who have come forward. We dare to hope that their stories will bring about urgently needed change and more feminist leaders in positions of power.

 

The Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair in Media, Culture, and Feminist Studies is poised to play a leading role in shaping a more equitable future.