ADVISOR TRAININGUNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE

University Policy Regarding Sexual Behavior and Sexual Harassment

Maintaining a campus environment whereall individuals are treated with respect anddignity and where all are free to participatein a lively exchange of ideas are goalsstated in the University’s Policy regardingSexual Behavior and Sexual Harassment.

Each student has the right to learn and each employee has the right to work in an environment free of sexual harassment and one in which ideas may be freely expressed.

Any employee or student who engages in conduct prohibited by the University’s policy will face disciplinary action as provided by law, university policies, and applicable employment agreements.

StatisticsSexual Harassment in Education

An American Association of University (AAUW) study in 2006 reported that

• 62% of female college students and 61% of male college students reported having been sexually harassed at their university.

• 66% of college students know someone personally who was harassed.

• 80% reported harassment being peer-to-peer.

• 51% of male college students admitted to sexually harassing someone in college, with 22% admitting to harassing someone often or occasionally.

• 31% of female college students admitted to harassing someone in college.

Since most sexual harassment situations go unreported, it is important tonote that statistics do not give a complete picture of the problem. Only 10% or less of student sexual harassment victims attempt to report their experiences to a university employee.

Sexual Harassment Law

• Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin or religion.

• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in federally funded education programs.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Educational Environment: Unwelcome behavior of a

sexual nature that interferes with a student’s ability to learn, study, work or participate in school activities.

Employment Environment: Unwelcome behavior of a

sexual nature that interferes with an employees work performance or creates a hostile or intimidating work environment.

Do you know that…..

Sexual Harassment includes• Verbal, nonverbal, and physical behavior• Unwanted/unwelcome lewd jokes, gender-based slurs, and sexual

contact• Behavior that creates sexually hostile learning or working

environment• Harassment between people of the same sex

Anyone affected by the offensive conduct can be the victim of sexual harassment behavior.

Two Types of Sexual Harassment

• Quid Pro Quo

• Hostile Environment

Quid Pro Quo

• The words “quid pro quo” mean “something for something.”

• Individual is promised that he/she will receive a benefit if he/she provides some sexual favor.

Effects on the VictimsProfessional, Financial, Social

Increased absenteeism resulting in decreased work or school performance

Loss of income due to loss of job or career Personal life offered up for public scrutiny—the victim becomes the

“accused,” lifestyle and private life will often come under attack. Humiliation by scrutiny and gossip Character and reputation suffer Relocation to another city, another job, or another school Loss of references/recommendations

Effects on Academics and Achievement

Impact on students who experience sexual harassment includes:

Trouble sleeping Loss of appetite Decreased participation in class Avoid study groups/library Change schools Change major Don’t go to professor’s office hours

Effects on The University• Absenteeism and decreased productivity by staff or

student victims of harassment• Victims show decreased job satisfaction/loyalty• Staff resignations to avoid harassment• Students leave school to avoid harassment• Increased health care costs and sick pay costs due to

the health consequences on employees because of harassment

• Lower ethical standards and discipline, as staff and/or students lose respect and trust in supervisors/faculty who indulge in sexual harassment

• School’s image can suffer if problem is ignored• Legal costs if University is taken to court

Think Before you Act!

• How would your mother, sister, daughter or son feel if they heard or witnessed you sexually harassing another person?

• How would you feel repeating one of your comments in front of your boss or at trial in front of a judge or jury?

There’s NO Excuse!

• It’s illegal.

• If you see it or experience it, report it.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Policy on Sexual Behavior and Sexual Harassment

• Read UL Lafayette’s Policy on Sexual Behavior and Sexual Harassment.

http://apfd.louisiana.edu/publications/staff-handbook/Policy03.pdf

Test

• To receive Advisor Training credit (for advising awards) please click here and answer test questions. After completion, save the file as your name; then attach the file in an email to asc@louisiana.edu or print and send your answers through campus mail to Bette Harris c/o Academic Success Center.

RESOURCES

• http://www.aauw.org/laf/library/harassment_stats.cfm

• http://apfd.louisiana.edu/publications/staff-handbook/Policy03.pdf

• http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps23/newpage14.htm