Sexual Harassment Definition

Sexual Harassment

ISU seeks to promote and maintain an environment free from harassment of any type. Sexual harassment can interfere with work or academic performance as well as having a serious impact on emotional and physical well-being. 

What constitutes sexual harassment?

Unwelcome sexual advances (online or in person), requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment, even if the harasser and the person being harassed are the same sex, and whether or not the person resists or submits to the harasser, when:

1.  Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s participation in any program or activity.

2.   Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a person is used as the basis for decisions affecting that person

3.  Such conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it limits a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from any program or activity or creates a hostile or abusive environment

For a one-time incident to rise to the level of harassment, it must be severe.  Acts of verbal or physical aggression, intimidation or hostility based on sex, but not involving conduct of a sexual nature may also constitute sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment as defined above may include but is not limited to:

1.    sex-oriented, verbal “kidding,” or abuse

2.    pressure for sexual activity

3.    repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications

4.    unwelcome touching (such as patting, pinching or constant brushing against the body of another)

5.    a suggestion or demand for sexual involvement, accompanied by implied or explicit threats

Any person (student, staff member) who believes that he/she has been subject to sexual harassment will report the incident to a teacher, counselor, or administrator. All such reports will be shared with the relevant administrator immediately. Within 2 working days of receiving the report, said administrator will confer with the person who has filed the complaint.

This conference will form the basis of any future investigation or action.  Any such action will be conducted in a manner which is equitable, transparent and inclusive of all relevant parties.

The school may choose to secure the assistance of outside professional agencies if it feels this is warranted.