SEXUAL HARASSMENT
DEFINITION AND RESOURCE GUIDE

What is sexual harassment?

• Sexual harassment is unprofessional, unacceptable, and illegal.
  
• Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, and the Human Rights Law of New York State.
  
• According to guidelines issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment may be described as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other physical and expressive behavior of a sexual nature when
  
  • submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or education;
    
  • submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting the individual; or
    
  • such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's academic or professional performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment or educational environment.
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Sexual harassment may take a number of forms.

• Visual: leering; making sexually explicit gestures; displaying sexually explicit objects, pictures, posters, or pinups.
  
• Verbal: derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, jokes; unwelcome sexual advances, propositions, or demands for sexual favors; unwelcome comments about an individual's body or appearance.
  
• Physical: unwanted touching, such as patting, pinching, hugging, brushing against another's body, coerced kissing or fondling, physical assault. (Return to List)
  

Sexual harassment can occur in a variety of circumstances.

• A victim may be a woman or a man and may be of, or not of, the same gender as the harasser.
  
• A victim may be any individual affected by the offensive conduct, not just the person to whom the harassment is directed.
  
• A harasser may be a victim's supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a peer, a member of the staff or faculty, a colleague, a student, or a College vendor or contractor. (Return to List)
  

Why do incidents of sexual harassment sometimes go unreported by victims?

• Victims believe the harassment will stop if it is ignored.
  
• They are afraid no one will believe them.
  
• They feel intimidated, embarrassed, ashamed, or helpless.
  
• They are unfamiliar with College policies and complaint-resolution procedures relating to sexual harassment.
  
• They fear retaliation from the harasser, his or her colleagues, or the College.
  
• They assume the harasser will not face any consequences, even if the allegations are proven to be true. (Return to List)
  

What should you do if you believe you are a victim of sexual harassment?

• Object to the behavior: Since lack of response may be interpreted as approval, state clearly that the behavior is offensive and unacceptable and must cease immediately. Direct action on your part may put an end to the harassing behavior.
  
• Keep a record: Record in a personal journal the events and behaviors that you feel are objectionable and the dates of occurrences. Also record your reactions and feelings about any such incidents.
  
• Report the behavior: Each member of the College community has a right to an educational and work environment that is free from all forms of sexual harassment. Incidents of sexual harassment should be reported to the Office of Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity at 274-3909. Informal problem-solving approaches and formal complaint procedures are available. (Return to List)
  

What is Ithaca College's policy regarding sexual harassment?

Ithaca College seeks to ensure that the College community is free from all forms of sexual harassment in the educational setting and in employment.

Because the College considers sexual harassment inappropriate and unacceptable, individuals who believe they have been sexually harassed may seek assistance through the established procedures of the College.

Complaints of sexual harassment will be responded to promptly and equitably. Confidentiality will be maintained as far as is possible and retaliation against individuals bringing complaints will not be tolerated. Individuals found in violation of the sexual harassment policy are subject to disciplinary action, which may include separation from the College.

Copies of the Ithaca College policy on sexual harassment and discrimination complaint-resolution procedures are available at the Office of Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity at 320 Job Hall, or you may view the policy and procedures on the Ithaca College website at www.ithaca.edu/attorney/policies/vol2/Volume_2-206.htm.

Copies of the Ithaca College Student Conduct Code are available at the information desk in the Campus Center, or you may view the code on the Ithaca College website at www.ithaca.edu/handbook.php. (Return to List)