- Category: Harassment Policies
- School: University of Pennsylvania
- Statement Rating: Yellow
- Last updated: July 27, 2020
Relevant excerpt
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes harassment when: … Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or study environment.
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Sexual harassment can be exhibited using three types of behaviors – verbal, non-verbal behaviors and gestures, and physical contact. Some types of verbal behavior that might constitute sexual harassment, especially when occurring in combination with offensive touching are:
- Continuous and persistent sexual slurs or sexual innuendoes
- Offensive and persistent risqué jokes or kidding about sex or gender-specific traits
- Repeated unsolicited propositions for dates and/or sexual relations
Gestures or non-verbal behaviors might also be considered sexual harassment where they are persistent, severe, and offensive. Examples may include:
- Sexual looks and lewd gestures, such as leering or ogling with suggestive overtones
- Touching oneself sexually or persistent and unwelcome flirting
- Displaying sexually suggestive pictures, calendars, or posters
- Stalking
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