Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is a violation of the Institute policy as well as federal and Commonwealth statutes. This policy is intended to ensure that all members of the Institute community work and learn in a positive and productive educational environment that is free from sexual harassment or activities that can be viewed as such.
For purposes of this policy, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual assault and all other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
- Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s academic or employment status;
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for academic or employment decisions affecting an individual;
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance, or campus activities or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment in which to learn or work.
The Institute considers sexual harassment a very serious matter. Any person found to be responsible for sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination from a job and/or expulsion from the Institute.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment may occur regardless of the intention of the person engaging in the conduct. While it is not possible to list all those circumstances that constitute sexual harassment, the following are some examples of conduct, which, if unwelcome, may constitute sexual harassment, depending upon the totality of the circumstances, including the severity of the conduct and its pervasiveness:
- sexual advances whether or not they involve physical touching
- requests for sexual favors in exchange for actual or promised job benefits such as favorable reviews, salary increase, promotions, increased benefits, or continued employment
- sexual jokes
- use of sexual epithets, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s sex life, comment on an individual's body, comment about an individual’s sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess
- displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons
- leering, whistling, brushing against the body, sexual gestures, suggestive or insulting comments
- inquiries into one's sexual experiences
- discussion of one's sexual activities - and
- assault or coerced sexual acts.
Either sex may be the harasser. Any student who feels he or she has been sexually harassed has several ways to make his or her concerns known:
- If the student can comfortably do so, he or she should inform the person engaging in the harassment that the conduct is offensive and must stop.
- If the student doesn't wish to communicate directly with the person or if such communication hasn't brought results, the student has the right to file a complaint in writing or verbally with the Title IX Coordinator for Students.
Harassment Investigation and Corrective Action
When a complaint is received, the allegation will be promptly investigated in a fair and expeditious manner. Please refer to the Title IX (Sexual Harassment/Assault) Reporting Procedures for detailed information on resolution of student complaints.