Sample Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for employees. Retaliation against an individual for making a complaint of sexual harassment also is considered to be sex discrimination and is therefore likewise illegal. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when one or more of the following conditions is present. A. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment. (For example, favorable employment evaluation in return for sexual favors.); or B. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used, threatened or is suggested as the basis for employment.; or C. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or academic environment. (For example, a pattern of conduct that causes discomfort or humiliation, or both, such as sexually explicit statements, questions, jokes, anecdotes, ogling, visual materials or literature; unnecessary touching, patting, or pinching.)