Examples of Sexual Harassment

Examples of Conduct that May Be Sexual Harassment

• Gender-based discrimination

• Direct propositions of a sexual nature

• Sexual innuendos and other seductive behavior, including subtle pressure for sexual activity such as repeated, unwanted requests for dates, and repeated inappropriate personal comments, staring, or touching

• Direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances will be a condition of employment, promotion, grades, etc

• Conduct (not legitimately related to the subject matter of a course or curriculum, if one is involved) that has the effect of discomforting, humiliating or both, and that includes one or more of the following:

  • Comments of a sexual nature, including explicit statements, questions, jokes, anecdotes, or graphic material (e.g., visuals, social media posts, which are sexually explicit);

  • Unnecessary or unwanted touching, patting, massaging, hugging or brushing against a person’s body or other conduct of a physical nature;

  • Remarks of a sexual nature about a person’s clothing or body;

  • Insulting sounds or gestures, whistles, or catcalls;

  • Invading someone’s personal space by blocking his/her/their path;

  • Unwelcome and inappropriate letters, telephone calls, electronic mail, instant or text messaging, or other communication;

  • Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons, or posters

  • A consensual romantic or sexual relationship which:

    • Causes adverse treatment of third parties; or

    • Creates a hostile or intimidating working or learning environment for third parties; or

    • Stalking (also a criminal behavior)

    • Sexual assault (also criminal behavior)