Policy Number 400-005: Policy Prohibiting Sex and Gender-Based Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct and Retaliation- Sexual Harassment II

Relevant Excerpt

Sexual Harassment II – This category of prohibited conduct incorporates the definition of Sexual Harassment I, as well as sexual harassment that may not meet the definitions provided in Sexual Harassment I above. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: ...

2) such conduct creates a hostile environment. A hostile environment exists when the conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive, both subjectively and objectively, that it unreasonably interferes with, limits, or deprives an individual from participating in or benefiting from the University’s educational, employment, residential, and/or campus experience. ...

Examples of Sexual Harassment -The following non-exhaustive examples are illustrative of conduct that, if proven, may be considered by the University to establish sexual harassment: 

1) unsolicited, unwelcomed flirtations, advances, and/or propositions of a sexual nature;

2) insults, jokes, or anecdotes that belittle or demean an individual or a group's sexuality, gender, gender identity, gender expression, non-conformance with gender stereotypes, or sexual orientation;

3) unwelcomed sexually oriented gestures, verbal expressions, or comments of a sexual nature about an individual's body, clothing, or sexual experience; 

4) inappropriate displays of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; ...