Policies and Procedures
Harassment
College policy and who to contact
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences has a strong policy prohibiting the harassment (including sexual harassment) of members of the college and university community. When filing complaints and seeking resolution your first contact should be with Administrative Services director. Administrative Services will then contact others as necessary during the process.
What is sexual harassment?
It is unlawful to harass a person (applicant or employee) based on the individuals gender. Harassment includes "sexual harassment" or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal and/or physical harassment of a sexual nature. It may also include offensive remarks about a person's gender. The victim and the harasser can be of either gender and may also be of the same gender.
What is sexual misconduct?
Conduct of a sexual nature that, although not so serious or pervasive that is rises to the level of sexual harassment, is unprofessional and inappropriate for the educational and/or working environment.
At the office only?
Events sponsored by the college may be subject to claims under both workers compensation and general liability insurance. Therefore, courts have found unwanted sexual advances, exhibitionism, improper sexual touching and sexual innuendos occurring there to constitute sexual harassment.
Although the law does not prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision.