Sexual Harassment

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. It consists of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

When the harassment rises to the level that it interferes with employment or with education, then it becomes illegal and also violates the University's policy. But even lesser levels of sexually harassing behaviors may be inconsistent with MU's commitment to a safe and inclusive work and learning environment.

Sexual harassment may occur regardless of the gender or the sexual orientation of the parties.

The harasser may be a person in a position of authority - an employee's supervisor, or a student's instructor. The actions of co-workers, students, or other third parties may also contribute to a hostile working or learning environment. Behavior may be harassing even if the person did not intentionally set out to harass anyone.

Because the nature of this harassment is sexual, it brings a highly personal element into what should be a professional relationship. It destroys the trust that is essential to good working and academic relationships. Even though sex is nominally the subject, the real issue is power. The harasser is asserting power over the victim by exposing him or her to unwanted attention.

Here are some examples of behaviors that may be sexually harassing:

• Leering or ogling
• Remarks of a sexual nature, such as comments about a person's clothing, appearance, or sexual experience
• Suggestive or insulting sounds
• Off-color jokes or obscene gestures
• Unnecessary touching, patting, hugging, or brushing against a person's body
• Statements or other indications that sexual favors will be rewarded with grades, favorable employment reviews, or other shows of partiality
• Direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances is a condition of employment, work status, promotion, or grades
• Stalking, physical assault, or other similar criminal behaviors