Expert: james52144@earthlink.net - 8/4/2009

Question
Hello,

I'm a PHD student and I was verbally harassed by another student, who was screaming obscenities at me and calling me all kinds of names and making fun of my body. I am no longer in contact with this student.

The student said that if she runs into me again in the future, she will fight me.

I will probably run into her again in a year since we will be in the same class.

After all this happened, I filed a complaint with my dean. I told them that this student had been harassing me for almost a year and was screaming at me violently. His secretary wrote back and said "do not dwell on this, focus on your studies, if you come in to contact again with this person in the future we will take necessary action."

Do you think they are blowing me off? Should I file a police report? Or just ignore it for now.

It is true, I should have contacted them while it was happening. I let it finish and then after it was over I contacted them...which I can understand why they are probably thinking "well there's nothing we can do now, it's over"

Answer
Dear Tara

Well, obviously this student has jealousy issues that you stir up. I think you have done all you can for now. If you have any further problems with the student, you should immediately file assault charges with the police (assault is threatening and placing someone in fear of harm). Good luck.