Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or academic success or
Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions or
Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating and intimidating academic or living environment
Sexual harassment can take place in the classroom or workplace and is a violation of state and federal laws as well as the University of Mary Washington's policy

How Do You Know When It's Harassment?

It can be difficult at times to know you are being sexually harassed. You may feel that the person didn't mean what he or she said, that you are being overly sensitive or that you didn't hear the person correctly.

If the attention is unwanted, ask yourself these questions:

Is the attention of a sexual nature, explicitly or implied?
Does the other party exercise power over you, such as issuing a grade, supervising, or writing recommendations?
Did the conduct or remarks create an intimidation or hostile environment?
Has your class or work performance suffered because of what was said or done?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may be a victim of sexual harassment.

Some common examples include

Direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances will be a condition of employment, work status, promotion, or grade
Unwanted sexual teasing, jokes, remarks or questions
Unwanted pressure for dates
Unnecessary touching, patting, hugging, or brushing against a person's body
Sexual looks or gestures
Pressure for sexual favors
Unwelcome letters, telephone calls or materials of sexual nature