Former Chairperson of the Columbia’s Creative Writing Department

Robert Harlow is a sexual predator. While acting as the Chairperson for the University of British Colombia’s Creative Writing program, he sexually harassed me when I entered in 1974. I grew tired and called his bluff, had a short affair, then ended it when I found an age-appropriate lover. Harlow was 50 something and I was 24, the same age as his soon-to-be-wed daughter. The next year, he discouraged my writing and attempted to run me out of town. Once I was served his divorce papers, named as one of two correspondents in adultery, he stopped trying to get me to leave town. But he continued to often discourage my writing.

The other woman on the divorce papers was a vulnerable married woman he had met through a co-counseling group. He also harassed other grad students in the Department, and probably undergrads. He caused many young women serious problems, especially a former Catholic nun. For example, in 1975, a new female graduate student with whom I rented an upstairs two-bedroom place, suddenly disappeared in the middle of the night. No explanation. Probably caused by Harlow’s harassment. God knows what harassment he committed while a director with the Canadian Broadcasting Company.

Since he is 100 years old now, maybe his sexual predator behavior is non-existent. His mate again is 25 years younger than him. She insists he is not a sexual predator in the 40 years she has known him. By the way, many of his early books have adultery in them. His predatory behavior may have resulted from his wife running off from his first marriage with his best friend. He had told me that during our brief affair.

Yes, it was a long time ago, but men having badly were not held accountable. When I threatened to tell the Dean, he said, like all politicians, “I’ll them you’re lying.”

Before leaving with my Masters, I informed the Dean of his behavior. Only recently have I learned he had returned to UBC after the sabbatical. A colleague revolt ended his career as Chairperson. For another eight years, he continued to be employed as a professor within that department. Thus in my old age, I became out outraged.

The Board of Governors and the Creative Writing Department were aware of his sexual predator behavior yet continued to expose vulnerable students to him.

I considered suing the Board of Governors and the Creative Writing Department, but do not have decades nor funds to pursue such an old case.

Yes,  one of Canada’s Great Persons Over 100 is a sexual predator.

 

No, graduate school at UBC was no bed of roses for me.