Lin Farley, a former instructor at Cornell University, spoke to Newsweek about her lack of surprise regarding recent harassment allegations at the institution. Farley is credited with popularizing the term “sexual harassment” in the 1970s.

Farley, now 84, introduced the term during her testimony at a 1975 hearing on women’s workplace issues by the New York City Human Rights Commission. She expressed skepticism about progress on the matter since then. “It was a fact of life at Cornell,” she said, noting her lack of shock at the allegations.

“Nobody was surprised when I read that,” Farley stated, reflecting on the pervasiveness of such issues at the university.

A recent incident at Cornell involves accusations from a woman who claimed fraternity members gang-raped her in November 2024. She reported the assault to campus police and discussed it with university investigators. The investigation ended without charges, but the woman filed a lawsuit against the seven fraternity members, alleging she was incapacitated and assaulted.

“If you understand what the fraternities do, Cornell supports that 100 percent,” Farley remarked, criticizing the university’s response to such incidents.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed a prosecutor to investigate the case. Farley lauded this action, expressing her belief that the woman was let down by authorities. “Cornell basically just doesn’t do anything,” she said, reiterating her view on the institution’s approach.

During her tenure at Cornell from 1974 to 1976, Farley urged female students to be vigilant. “If you’re a Cornell co-ed, good luck,” she advised.

Farley authored “Sexual Shakedown: The Sexual Harassment of Women on the Job” in 1978 and felt progress remains limited over the decades. “No, I was surprised that it came out,” she commented on the recent lawsuit, describing Cornell as “an embarrassment.”

Farley voiced disappointment over persistent similar stories across time. “The sad thing is, we keep doing these stories over and over,” she said, doubting significant change would occur.

Though she avoided addressing officials directly, Farley expressed confidence in Governor Hochul’s integrity and supported the appointment of State Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor.

I have faith in the governor,” Farley said to Newsweek, looking forward to appropriate actions from the state leadership.