Sexual Harassment History: Up until the 1990’s, sexual harassment was commonplace in the workplace and in schools Slowly and steadily, attitudes have changed and today there are more protections in the workplace and in schools

What is Sexual Harassment? Unwanted or unwelcome behavior that is offensive to someone in a sexual or romantic way Who decides if behavior is offensive? –The recipient –Employers and school officials then a court if necessary Men and women can be victims –Most, but not all cases filed involve men harassing women

Categories of Sexual Harassment Quid pro quo –Promotions in exchange for dates –If you don’t ……, you’ll be fired Hostile environment –Unwelcome behavior that is repeated and/or pervasive (except for touching, once is enough) Jokes, language, posters, comments

Sexual Harassment in Schools Sexual harassment in schools is unwanted and unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that interferes with the right to receive an equal educational opportunity. It is a form of sex discrimination that is prohibited by Title IX, a Federal law establishing civil rights in education that addresses issues of sex discrimination and, by judicial precedent, sexual harassment.

Behaviors Sexually harassing behaviors that can interfere with one’s educational opportunity range from: words (written and spoken) and gestures to unwanted physical contact. Some of the behaviors may also be criminal acts (assault and rape, attempted or completed and child sexual abuse).

Types of Sexual Harassment Experienced in Schools Sexual comments, jokes, gestures, or looks Technology based harassment (Computer graphics and/or obscene messages on computer/cellphone postings) Touched, grabbed, or pinched in a sexual way Intentionally brushed up against in a sexual way Flashed or mooned Had sexual rumors spread about them Had clothing pulled at in a sexual manner

Locations Sexual Harassment Occurred in the hall in the classroom outside of school, on school grounds (other than the parking lot) in the gymnasium or on the playing field in the cafeteria in the school parking lot other places (includes parking lot, school grounds, etc.)

Common Reasons for Sexual Harassment Thought it was funny (59%) It’s just part of school life/a lot of people do it/it’s no big deal (30%) I thought the person liked it (32%) I wanted something from that person (20%) I wanted a date with the person (17%) I wanted the person to think I had some sort of power over them (10%)

What to do about it? If a student is a victim of sexual harassment s/he, a parent or other individual should contact a teacher or school administrator to file a complaint. If the school fails to take action to remedy the situation, a student should make his/her complaint known to the school district. If satisfactory action is still not taken, a student may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and/or turn to the federal courts.

What can school officials do? A student who is guilty of continued sexual harassment can be punished AEP or expulsion Charges can be filed with the police A person can be sued by the accuser

What can the legal system do? Criminal charges can be filed and the person can be tried Compensatory and Punitive damages can be awarded in a civil lawsuit