Re “ ‘Zero tolerance’ doesn’t work’’ (Letters, Jan. 4): Zero tolerance for sexual harassment is necessary because anything less is official impunity for at least some violations. But zero tolerance does not mean automatic termination from employment. It simply means something effective must be done to stop the harassment and prevent it from recurring. Women are not asking for much when they seek to work in an environment of safety and equality, and companies know very well how to address the problem, because employer enforcement of the law, which applies equally to racial and ethnic, etc., harassment, has been mandatory for decades.

Wendy Murphy

Director, Women’s and Children’s Advocacy Project, New England Law|Boston