Sexual harassment is conduct that is sexual in nature, unwelcome, and denies a student the ability to participate in, or benefit from, a school’s educational program or activity. Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment is therefore a form of discrimination based on sex, and can be recognized when:
A.) Submission to or rejection of such conduct or communication is a term or condition of educational benefits, academic evaluations or opportunities (quid pro quo); and submission to such conduct or communication has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
B.) Such conduct is sufficiently severe, pervasive and objectively offensive as to have the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment sufficient to deny an individual educational benefits or participation in activities at the institution (hostile environment).
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of1972 requires institutions receiving federal funding to deal promptly and appropriately with any sexual harassment, and to educate community members on its manifestations and its effects. Any student who is believes that he or she is being sexually harassed should consult with his or her dean, the Dean of the College, an EEOC officer, and/or the Title IX Coordinator (Steve Watter, Senior Associate Dean of the College) to discuss options. For more information on sexual misconduct generally, please see the sections of this Guide that describe the policies related to sexual misconduct as well as the resources available to victims.