BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

POTSDAM – A recent gathering aimed to call attention to sexual harassment and sexual assault incidents on SUNY Potsdam’s campus and raised criticism of how they were handled by the college.

The rally included calls for change and included signs that said “Me Too” and “Sexual Assault@Crane.”

Among those in attendance was Jaiden Widdall, a former student who attended Crane from Aug. 2020 to Jan. 2021. She says she experienced sexual harassment from a professor while attending classes there.

In email exchanges with North Country This Week she raised concerns regarding the Title IX process she went through after reporting the incident and was troubled by what she says were efforts by the college and faculty to keep her quiet about her experience.

She said that she also did not believe the professor in question was disciplined for the incident, though she says that person has since retired from the college.

Other students reported similar concerns to North Country This Week, but wished to remain anonymous due to fear of repercussion or damage to reputations.

Some complaints alleged, though not verified by North Country This Week, that reports they made to university police did not result in action due to lack of evidence.

“I am a junior at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. I would prefer to stay anonymous, as I fear that speaking up will wreck my reputation at this institution and could have severe consequences on my academic life and career,” one of the students said.

That student expressed concern that incidents aren’t being taken as seriously as they should be.

In response to the protest SUNY Potsdam President Kristen Esterberg released a statement saying the college would do better.

“I have received a number of messages in recent days from students, past and present, regarding their experiences with sexual harassment and assault on campus. I want you all to know that I have read your words, and I take them to heart, and at my direction, we will launch an immediate, and thorough investigation of all past reported incidents of sexual harassment and assault,” she said.

Esterberg said the investigation is needed to ensure that every incident reported to the campus was thoroughly reviewed, investigated and if warranted, referred to local law enforcement authorities for further action.

“It is not easy to share such personal and painful stories. We respect and appreciate each of you for your efforts to raise awareness about these issues and make our campus community safe. Your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance. I deeply appreciate each and every one of you. Please know that we hear you and will do all that we can to ensure that we better serve and support every member of our campus community,” Esterberg said. “No one should ever feel alone, intimidated, or ignored after reporting an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, bias or any other violation, which is why we need to conduct this further review of all past cases to provide confidence to all those who reported incidents that every incident was thoroughly reviewed. To anyone who has ever felt this way: We are deeply sorry, and we pledge to do better.”

Esterberg says that the college dose address all issues reported incidents, but added that that they must also comply with union protections when doing so.

“We can tell you that any time a student or employee reports misconduct, we take all appropriate supportive measures, which may include immediate suspension of teaching responsibilities, and the issuance of no contact orders or orders of protection—the violation of which could result in permanent separation from the College. We must also comply with union protections set forth through collective bargaining agreements which serve to ensure that all faculty and staff members are provided due process through any investigation.”

Esterberg also offered phone numbers for the college counseling center at 315-267-2330, Renewal house On-Campus Advocate at 315-379-9845 and Student Health Services at 315-267-2377.

“Please know that the entire administration has been in deep conversation about specific steps we can take to ensure that everyone feels safe and valued here. There will be more messages to come in the coming days regarding specific events and initiatives from various areas, as we continue to listen and respond to these very urgent calls to action.”