Yale University is bracing for what some are calling one of the largest scandals to hit the Ivy League, as a prestigious alumna is accusing a famous professor of sexual harassment through the media.
In an article titled "Sex and Silence at Yale" published in Monday's New York magazine, noted feminist author Naomi Wolf accuses celebrated Shakespeare expert Harold Bloom of groping her 20 years ago when she was his student.
Wolf also points the finger at Yale for protecting its image rather than truly investigating these and other harassment charges. Wolf said a systemic problem of sexual misconduct exists at the school, and added that many of her friends had similar experiences with professors at Yale.
According to the article, Bloom dined with Wolf at her apartment, under the guise of critiquing her poetry manuscripts. She said rather than focusing on the poetry, she felt his hand slowly move up her thigh, which caused her to vomit. As Bloom left, she said, he called her a "deeply troubled girl."
Yale University's sexual harassment policy dictates a two-year statute of limitations on claims, and as such, Bloom will not face an investigation or disciplinary action. Bloom, however, is reportedly considering filing a defamation of character lawsuit against Wolf.
Wolf said that she didn't report the charges earlier because she was a student on financial aid and Bloom was a towering figure of literature, and thus felt intimidated.
These allegations may have already been described in one of Wolf's books. In her 1997 book "Promiscuities," Wolf wrote about an unnamed college professor who placed his hand between her legs while discussing poetry at her apartment.
Wolf's allegations have set off a firestorm of debate among feminist circles. Feminist author Camille Paglia, who also studied under Bloom at Yale, has criticized Wolf for launching what she calls an unfair attack against an elderly man through the media. She said Wolf has always used her good looks to further her career, and is now going public with the sexual harassment charges because she is in a career slump.
Wolf is a former Rhodes scholar at Yale who became a celebrated writer after her 1991 best seller "The Beauty Myth." She advised former Vice President Al Gore during his 2000 presidential run, most notably suggesting he wear more "earth tones" to attract female voters.
Wire services contributed to this report.
