Understanding Hostile Environment Sexual Harassment

In determining whether a hostile environment exists, the College will consider the totality of circumstances, including factors such as the actual impact the conduct has had on the Complainant; the nature and severity of the conduct at issue; the frequency and duration of the conduct; the relationship between the parties (including accounting for whether one individual has power or authority over the other); the respective ages of the parties; the context in which the conduct occurred; and the number of persons affected. The College will evaluate the totality of circumstances from the perspective of a reasonable person in the Complainant’s position. A person’s adverse subjective reaction to conduct is not sufficient, in and of itself, to establish the existence of a hostile environment.

The College encourages members of the College Community to report any and all instances of Sexual Harassment, even if they are unsure whether the conduct rises to the level of a policy violation.

Some specific examples of conduct that may constitute Sexual Harassment if unwelcome include, but are not limited to:

Unreasonable pressure for a dating, romantic, or intimate relationship or sexual contact
Unwelcome kissing, hugging, or massaging
Sexual innuendos, jokes, or humor
Displaying sexual graffiti, pictures, videos, or posters
Using sexually explicit profanity
Asking about, or telling about, sexual fantasies, sexual preferences, or sexual activities
E-mail, internet, or other electronic use that violates this policy
Leering or staring at someone in a sexual way, such as staring at a person’s breasts or groin
Sending sexually explicit emails, text messages, or social media posts
Commenting on a person’s dress in a sexual manner
Giving unwelcome personal gifts such as lingerie that suggest the desire for a romantic relationship
Insulting, demeaning, or degrading another person based on gender or gender stereotypes