Prof. Bernadette Brooten (NEJS) addressed a packed crowd in Goldfarb Library on Wednesday to discuss the numerous conflicts female slaves had to endure in fourth-century Rome and in 19th century America.Titled "Slavery's Long Shadow Over the Lives of Girls and Women," Brooten spoke about how slaves were ordered by their masters to behave contrary to their Christian values, which most of them tried to uphold. The event was hosted by the Woman's Studies Program as part of its five-part Distinguished Lecture Series.

Brooten emphasized the goal of the Feminist Ethics Project, a Brandeis organization she founded in 2001, which aims to eliminate incorrect notions of how human rights are interpreted in the Bible.

Brooten said she has focused her most recent research efforts on the issue of slavery and women because she sees it as the "greatest hindrance to sexual ethics based on consent and mutuality."

According to Brooten, society in both periods viewed slavery as acceptable, since its practice was found in the Bible. She also said that slavery permitted the violation of women in bondage.

"Slaves had to obey their masters in all things, no matter what the cost," Brooten said.

Prof. Sue Lanser (ENG) introduced Brooten, who she said had a "tenacious intellectual boldness" and practiced "meticulous scholarship."

Brooten said because female slaves had no rights in both periods, they were raped without their masters facing reproach or fearing reprisals. She also said slavery promoted values of "ownership, control and domination, which directly contradicts ethical values of consent and mutuality."

According to Brooten, slaves were the most dishonorable social class in Rome and America during the two periods she discussed. However, she said, if slaves accompanied their masters in public, the master would be perceived as being dignified and wealthy.

Brooten told of recorded incidents where slaves in America were forced to have children through intimidation-such as having a razor held to their throats. Brooten also said this would bring additional income to the slave owner, once the child grew up.

Brooten called this "a form of institutionalized sexual harassment."

Andrea Fox (GRAD) said she found the presentation fascinating, but also a little overwhelming.

"I got chills in my legs hearing about what she's doing with the project," Fox said. It's so amazing. I hope I can get involved in some degree in the future."

After her talk, Brooten said she had hoped to spark others' interests in the subject.

"To overcome the legacy of slavery is a very great challenge," she said. "We need a lot of people to become involved.