1. SEXUAL HARASSMENT: CHANGING THE CONVERSATION
Melissa Flores, Associate General Counsel, Sr.
Office of the General Counsel
Maricopa County Community College District

2. A guide to assisting students in talking about sexual harassment & Discrimination

3. Direct Statements
Be direct about what you are feeling. DON’T: “It was weird when you touched my hair.” DO: “When you touched my hair and told me I looked pretty with my new haircut, I felt uncomfortable because…..” Please do not do it again.”

4. Name the action/Behavior
It is important to be clear about what behavior or action is unwelcome. Don’t: “Things you do make me feel uncomfortable.” Do: “It was inappropriate of you to tell Sarah that she could not handle taking science classes because she is a woman.”

5. Do NOT pacify the behavior/conduct
Ok, this is a touchy one because your delivery may sound like victim blaming; so, be careful. This advice is about taking control of the narrative. Don’t: Giggle, laugh, nonchalantly mention the offense, follow up with “but it’s okay” when addressing harassment. Do: Be firm in your tone and deliver.

6. Document, document, and document…
This is a great piece of advice for anyone facing a difficult situation at work or at school. Make sure you write down who, what, when, where, & why – regarding the incident If any other persons were present Try to document right after the incident (relying on memory especially after traumatic or upsetting events memory can fail due to the trauma- details are not easily remembered)

7. Find a person you can confide in for support.
These conversations are uncomfortable to have and may involve a power differential or may be quite personal. Confide in someone you trust that is willing to support you when you address behavior. Let this person know your plan of action!

8. Do NOT fight fire with fire!
Approach the situation in a respectful manner Direct does NOT equal rude Follow protocol outlined by your college. Sometimes an individual might feel safer going directly to the Title IX Coordinator and not the alleged offender. This is OKAY.

9. Do NOT let retaliation slide!
Stare downs, snide remarks, extra work, exclusionary behavior are a few examples of possible retaliation. REPORT this behavior to your Title IX Coordinator.

10. What are your questions?