Sometimes it is difficult to identify sexual harassment. The definition of sexual harassment provided in the University of Iowa Policy on Sexual Harassment is:

persistent, repetitive or egregious conduct directed at a specific individual or group of individuals that a reasonable person would interpret, in the full context in which the conduct occurs, as harassment of a sexual nature, when:

(1) Submission to such conduct is made or threatened to be made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment, education, on-campus living environment, or participation in a University activity;

(2) Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used or threatened to be used as a basis for a decision affecting employment, education, on-campus living environment, or participation in a University activity; or,

(3) Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with work or educational performance, or of creating an intimidating or hostile environment for employment, education, on-campus living, or participation in a University activity.

There is no "laundry list" of behaviors that constitute sexual harassment. However, some behaviors that may constitute sexual harassment include the following:

(1) Physical assault;

(2) Direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances will be a condition of, or that failure to submit to such advances will adversely affect, employment, work status, promotion, grades, letters of recommendation, or participation in a University activity;

(3) Direct propositions of a sexual nature;

(4) Subtle pressure for sexual activity, an element of which may be repeated staring;

(5) A pattern of sexually explicit statements, questions, jokes or anecdotes, whether made orally, in writing, or through electronic media (See also the Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources policy, II-19, University Operations Manual);

(6) A pattern of conduct involving:

(a) Unnecessary touching;

(b) Remarks of a sexual nature about a person's clothing or body; or,

(c) Remarks relating to sexual activity or speculations concerning previous sexual experience;

(7) A display of graphic sexual material (not legitimately related to the subject matter of a course if one is involved) in a context where others are not free to avoid the display because of an employment or educational requirement or without surrendering a privilege or opportunity that others may reasonably expect to enjoy in that location.

Conduct that is alleged to constitute sexual harassment is evaluated in light of the full context in which the behavior occurs. Determinations are made on a case-by-case basis.

If you wish to file a complaint of sexual harassment with the University, please refer to Filing a Complaint. If you are not sure that you want to file a complaint but would like to get additional information about your options, on a confidential basis, please refer to People Who Can Provide Confidential Advice.

Back to Sexual Harassment: A Comprehensive Guide

Link to Sexual Harassment Policy