Sexual
HarassmentSexual
Harassment
The Legal Definition
Sexual Harassment is behavior that is unwelcome, sexual in nature and which is sufficiently severe and/or pervasive so as to create, for the recipient, a hostile, offensive or intimidating environment. Such conduct constitutes sexual harassment when such conduct limits the ability of the student to participate in or benefit from his or her education.
Situation: Male or female teachers make sexual remarks or comments about your body and you feel uncomfortable.
Suggested Response: "I need to talk about something. I would like for you to stop commenting on my body."
Situation: The Graduate Assistant that is teaching your English class visits your apartment and asks to watch a video with you in your room.
Suggested Response: "I don't want you to visit my apartment. I'd like to maintain a professional relationship until the end of the semester." (It is generally inappropriate for Teaching Assistants and faculty members to meet thier students off campus and outside regular business hours.)
Situation: You are the Teaching Assistant. A female student goes to see you to tell you she is worried about her grade and asks you what she can do to improve it. She expresses her concern and tells you that she "will do anything" to improve her grade.
Suggested Response: "I can't offer special help for you, I'd like to treat all of my students equally." (You have the responsibility to maintain a professional relationship with your students.)