'Coffee With Questions' looks at sexual harassment
On Sunday, Dec. 17, "Coffee With Questions," a weekly adult discussion group with Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, is addressing some of the most dramatic and controversial issues dominating the news today - sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse.
It will begin at 9:15 a.m. at the church, 5603 W. Bull Valley Road in McHenry.
Charges of sexual harassment have led to the downfalls of leading political, entertainment, and business figures this year, spurred by the groundswell of the #MeToo movement.
The issue is so important, "Coffee With Questions" is issuing a special invitation to the public to join the discussion, which will facilitated by Judy Stettner, co-chair of the Social Justice Team, and Terry Kappel, a McHenry County social justice and political activist.
In keeping with the program's format, participants will be asked to consider several facts and questions.
In the past year, there have been many public accusations of sexual misconduct, harassment, and rape. As allegations against individuals have come out, many women, and men have felt emboldened by the bravery of others to come out with their own violations, despite the pain of public humiliation, judgment, and retaliation.
The #MeToo movement followed with revelations by multiple women on social media who shared their own painful experiences.
While accusations by men and women of sexual harassment have been more numerous in recent months, the allegations still face the same obstacles. What is sexual harassment, and where is the line between casual flirtatious conduct and misconduct?
What is the toll of sexual harassment on women and men who have experienced it? Is there a culture that permits and even excuses sexual behavior that can cross the line of appropriateness?
How do we maintain a presumption of innocence while still encouraging those abused to come forward? What is the appropriate punishment for sexual misconduct?
Child care is available with an advance request to religious education director Sam Jones at samjones@ameritech.net.