Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, (i) a term or condition of educational benefits, privileges or placement services or as a basis for the evaluation of academic achievement of a student or (ii) a term or condition of employment or a basis for employment decisions concerning any employee; or

When such advances, requests or conduct are so severe or pervasive that they have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with as student’s education or an employee’s work performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive educational, living or working environment, when judged by the standards of a reasonable person.

Also prohibited is any retaliation against any other person because s/he complains of sexual harassment or assists in investigation of harassment and any intimidation, coercion or other attempted interference with an investigation of a harassment complaint.

Sexual harassment does not refer to compliments or other behavior of a socially acceptable nature. It does not refer to discussions of material with a sexual component, introduced in class or conference for intellectual purposes, which might offend some teachers or students. Whether particular language and conduct constitutes sexual harassment depends upon the circumstances of an incident and will be determined by the college on a case-by-case basis. We urge members of the community to reflect carefully on the character and circumstances of potential harassment incidents, and to consider conversations with dons, the staff of the Office of Student Affairs, appropriate department heads, or Deans, as a first stage in development of charges of harassment.