Policy Statements

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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