Office of I.D.E.A.: Sexual Harassment Prevention- What is the practical definition of sexual harassment?

Relevant Excerpt

Hostile Environment: In which verbal or non-verbal behavior in the workplace or academic environment ... Is severe or pervasive enough to affect the person's work/academic environment

The following are examples that can create a hostile environment if unwanted, uninvited, and pervasive:

• Off-color jokes or teasing
• Comments about body parts or sex life
• Suggestive pictures, posters, calendars or cartoons
• Leering, stares, or inappropriate gestures
• Repeated requests for dates
• Excessive attention in the form of love letters, telephone calls, text messages, or gifts
• Touching-brushes, pats, hugs, shoulder rubs or pinches