1. Understanding Sexual Harassment
A Work Based Learning Center Presentation
Joanne Schiller, WBLC Coordinator

2. Exploring sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment happens in the workplace.
It happens in schools.
It might have happened to you.
What is sexual harassment?
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

3. Let’s find out… Is this behavior sexual harassment?
A boy bumps into a girl and then brushes against her front, but it seems to be deliberate because he’s done it to her before. She reacts sharply and pushes him away. He laughs and says, “It was only an accident!”
Is this behavior sexual harassment?
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

4. Situation two… Is this behavior sexual harassment?
A boy and girl are hugging each other. She laughs and tells him that he’s only after one thing. He laughs, pulls her closer and kisses her. It is clear that they like each other.
Is this behavior sexual harassment?
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

5. Situation three… Is this behavior sexual harassment?
A girl approaches a group of girls. They turn away and ignore her, and exclude her from their group, saying “We don’t want a lezzo like you with us.”
Is this behavior sexual harassment?
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

6. Situation four… Is this behavior sexual harassment?
A group of students graffiti comments in the boys’ toilet about another girl and her sexual experiences.
Is this behavior sexual harassment?
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

7. Situation five… Is this behavior sexual harassment?
You have been trying to avoid contact with the assistant manager at work because he keeps asking you to go out on a date with him. Today, he cornered you and told you that he would not recommend you for a raise until you go out with him.
Is this behavior sexual harassment?
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

8. Definition…
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual behavior which makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

9. Unwanted or unwelcome sexual behavior may include:
Unwelcome touching
Staring or leering
Suggestive comments or jokes
Sexually explicit pictures, posters, screensavers, calendars
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

10. It may also include: Unwanted invitations to date Requests for sex
Intrusive questions
Insults, name-calling or taunts based on sex
Derogatory graffiti
Sexually explicit s or text messages
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

11. Still unsure? Apply these steps.
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12. What’s so wrong about sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is a form of bullying
Degrading comments hurt others
Using insults is a way of exerting power over another person
People have the right to feel safe in school and at work
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

13. Sexual Harassment is illegal.
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
Sexual Harassment is illegal.
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

14. Unwelcome sexual behavior is considered harassment when …
it interferes with an individual’s work performance
it creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment
rejection of this conduct affects an individuals employment
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

15. Victims can be Women or men The same sex as the harasser
Anyone affected by the offensive conduct
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

16. Harassers can be Male or female Young or old
Your classmates or co-workers
Your supervisor or boss
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

17. Unlawful sexual harassment
may occur without economic injury to or discharge of the victim
The harasser’s conduct must be unwelcome.
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

18. What can you do?
Help create school and work places free from harassment
Make people aware by confronting offensive behavior
Get help from a teacher, friend, principal or supervisor
Contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Rockland, BOCES WBLC

19. You may learn more about this topic at the following websites:
The End.
Rockland, BOCES WBLC