Subscription Services

The Northland's No. 1 news Web site — 3,736,982 pageviews in February 2010.

Published November 06, 2009

Local view: Sexual harassment at UMD? ‘Rod was just being Rod’ chat

By Emilie Marshall, for the News Tribune

Back to article

Recent Comments

If you feel a comment violates the terms listed below please choose the report violation link associated with the offending comment and file a report.

« previous 1 2 4 5 6 next »

Marie L.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 1:12 PM

Daniel F, aren't you also guilty of judging people you don't know? You are judging Emilie, Rod, and the women that filed the complaints. You are judging more people than Emilie is. You don't know Rod, but Emilie does and she felt like someone should speak up for him. I'm not saying he needs someone to fight his battles but Emilie obviously felt strong enough to write an OPINION piece. That is what this is, an opinion piece that appeared in the opinion section. She was entitled to write it and it was deemed appropriate by the Tribune to print. And for those of you who say it is a poorly written article, it is most definitely not. With her experience in journalism she knows how to write journalistically. It is not as easy as it seems. Not everyone is going to agree with Emilie, but it is her right to write and publish this.

Report a Violation

S J.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 1:04 PM

I'm hoping the author of this will seek some self esteem help for herself. Having worked for Rod and been in the position of having him sexually harassing me, when I did confront him, he retaliated. Rod is not a person a female can confront without major reprucussions.

Report a Violation

Melissa H.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 12:36 PM

People that are in a position of power and authority need to be especially aware that their students do not have equal ability to say what they want/need to say, thus often the only option they have is to ask for help from someone else; when a person in authority makes uninvited sexual comments, that constitutes harassment, just as an adult who molests a child is conducting abuse. "Rod being Rod," is not an acceptable excuse for harassment, just as "molester being molester" is not an acceptable excuse for a crime - both are taking advantage of their authority as a means of hurting someone who cannot directly defend themselves. I am absolutely disgusted that Rod was not dismissed from employment, as the pattern not only of harassment, but of intimiation and retaliation, is very clear.

Report a Violation

megan l.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 11:47 AM

I just read the report. These ladies sound like they are taking too much out of context. If you are giving off "energy" or vibes of attraction/flirtation then you know what's coming to you. Don't give out acceptance if you don't want it. If you don't think you are giving it then say something ladies! Don't hold it in of embarressment because you felt uncomfortable. Men can't read your mind nor can they always pick up a vibe of unwanted comments/behavior. The accusers are as much at fault as the accused.

Report a Violation

Dan H.
11/06/2009 11:42 AM

AM, nobody's criticising the author for expressing her opinion. She's being criticized for getting it wrong.

Report a Violation

daniel f.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 11:27 AM

Isn't Emilie also guilty of judging people she doesn't know? She is implying that the women to brought these complaints against him are either lying or unwarranted in their claims. No women should have to deal with that garbage, and to write it off by saying that they should have just confronted Rod is easier said than done. Rod was an authority figure who was abusing his power. Those women had every right to file a complaint and I'm glad they did. They shouldn't have to put up with Rod's advances, and by not complaining, they would have been condoning his future actions.

Report a Violation

ML G.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 11:23 AM

Marshall's commentary sounds like a hilarious faux-opinion piece from "The Onion."

Report a Violation

Jack P.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 11:21 AM

I am glad that Emily is a journalism major and not a social work major. This editorial is complete garbage. When would it ever be acceptable for a professional to comment on how sexy a female student looks?!?! Are you isane? That is completly crossing the line of professionalism, especially at a university. You, yourself said you felt uncomfortable, but not everyone will confront the person that makes them feel uneasy. Would you easily confront your rapist to tell him you didn't feel comfortable when he forced himself on you? NO. A victim is a victim and it legitimate that these young women went to university officials, not Raymond himself. This article is completly based on Emily's personal opionion of Raymond. There is no evidence in this article that supports her claim of his innocence. The argument of "Rod being Rod" is worthless. If this is "Rod being just Rod" then Rod is wrong.

Report a Violation

Saywhat S.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 11:21 AM

Emilie, you are probably a very nice girl, but very naive. When you get out into the world more and maybe have a daughter of your own someday, you will have a different view, I promise you. You might even look back with anger at someone who took advantage of your youth, as I do now many years after being harassed in a very similar way and not even realizing what it was doing to me. I have a daughter your age and if some creep was calling her "honey" and condescending her in that manner I would urge her to call him on it. Good luck in your future, and I mean that sincerely.

Report a Violation

daniel f.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 11:19 AM

AM. All I am saying is that, as a journalism student, Emilie has sacrificed facts for opinion. Her article should have been posted on a blog or comment section like the rest of ours. She writes as if she has clear knowledge to go against the findings of an investigative authority, and 16 other female complainants. Emilie is very much entitled to her opinion and clearly can voice it, I just wish she would have done some research on the topic before accusing the public of a witch hunt. But, I guess it is just Rod being Rod, so everything is ok. Lame. I also find it odd Rod stopped to help some young girls in distress...isn't that the exact type of person he has been accused to 'preying' on? Wierd.

Report a Violation

« previous 1 2 4 5 6 next »

Please Log in to share your comments

Comments posted on this page DO NOT reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are posted "as is" and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. If a comment is found in violation of said guidelines it can and will be removed from the public discussion. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in Duluth News Tribune.

Terms & Conditions