Statistical evidence includes such information as the number of individuals being harassed in a given time period, or the effect of harassment on workplace productivity. In essence, it addresses factors that are directly relevant to management and the workforce. Anecdotal evidence puts a human face on the argument, and can be extremely powerful. For example, a common counter argument to harassment legislation is the position that harassment simply does not exist. Providing evidence of specific cases of harassment counters that argument.
Endorsements show that respected individuals or organizations support the position being promoted.
We provided all three types of evidence in our submissions to PEO Council and the Registrar. We accumulated anecdotal evidence via contacts in the Harassment Prevention Offices of different universities and by interviewing individuals who had direct experience of harassment in the workplace. We included descriptions of these incidents in our submissions. Council appeared to be strongly interested in the mechanisms used by other professional associations in dealing with harassment. One cannot assume a priori that supporters will be found in a particular demographic or political group.