Wallace Community College Preventing Sexual Harassment August 12, 2013

Sexual Harassment On Campus Anyone can sexually harass others or be the target of harassment. Men toward women, women toward men, individuals of the same sex, student toward student, employee toward student, employee towards employee, student toward employee, supervisor toward subordinate, etc.

Sexual Harassment On Campus What is Sexual Harassment? An illegal form of discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Unwelcomed conduct of a sexual nature and includes: sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; other sexually explicit or suggestively written visual material (sexually explicit statements, emails, questions, jokes, or anecdotes, inappropriate pictures); other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature; sexual violence (sexual assault, including rape, sexual misconduct). Persistent, unwanted attempts to change a relationship from professional to personal;

Sexual Harassment On Campus Unwelcomed conduct of a sexual nature is considered sexual harassment when: The actions or requests are made with the implication that one’s response might affect their academic progress or employment; The speech or conduct is directed against another person and is either abusive, humiliating or persists despite the objection of the person being targeted. The speech or conduct is reasonably regarded as offensive and impairs the academic or work opportunities of students, colleagues or co-workers. If the speech or conduct takes place in the teaching environment, it must be also be persistent, pervasive, and not germane to the subject matter. For example, showing a picture of a naked human body may be germane in an A&P class but not in a math class.

Two type of Sexual Harassment Quid Pro Quo A Latin term that means “trading this for that”. ↔ Occurs when a person in a position of power pressures another person to meet his/her sexual demands in exchange for something of value.

Examples of Quid Pro Quo An instructor insists that a student have sex with him/her in exchange for a higher grade. A supervisor indicates that going out with him/her will result in a pay raise.

Two kinds of Sexual Harassment Hostile Environment This is the most common type of harassment. Occurs when repeated offensive behavior or comments create an unpleasant or intimidating environment that interferes with the victim’s educational or work environment. Hostile environment harassment may also involve sexual advances, abuse, comments or inappropriate touching on a one-time basis.

Preventing Sexual Harassment Prevention begins with you! Don’t make unwanted sexual demands or advances. Respect the personal space of others. Don’t touch a person who doesn’t want to be touched. Don’t make sexually demeaning remarks or gestures. Don’t send or use sexually suggestive communication. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Always conduct yourself in a professional manner. Your words and actions should always follow the “public rule”. Avoid consensual relationships with students, co-workers, or subordinates. If you are not sure if your behavior or comment is appropriate, don’t do it! In the words of Joan Davis – don’t do anything that you wouldn’t want your mom to know about. Or don’t do anything that you wouldn’t want to be reported or to go on record.

College Responsibilities As a recipient of federal funds, the College has an obligation to take action any time it is aware of an incident or potential incident of sexual harassment. Must investigate Must find an acceptable resolution The College has a duty to report any incident that is criminal in nature to law enforcement. Failure to act on the part of the College can result in fines, loss of federal funds, legal actions, and negative PR.

Individual Consequences Sexual harassment complaints can result in punitive actions up to and including expulsion, termination of employment and imprisonment.

Sexual Harassment Compliance officers Jackie Screws (334)556-2485 Sparks Campus Ventress Correctional Facility Easterling Correctional Facility Debbie McCollough (334)556-2260 Wallace Campus CEWD

Questions