Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do I report suspected sexual harassment?

An A&P, USPS or OPS employee may report to and seek assistance from Human Resources, their immediate or a higher level supervisor, the Coordinator of Sexual Harassment Resolutions in the Office of Audit Services or the hotline, 644-9013.

2. If I witness what I think is sexual harassment, do I report it?

Any employee who has witnessed what is perceived to be sexual harassment should report that conduct. Any supervisor who has witnessed or becomes aware of the alleged occurrence of sexual harassment by, or who receives a complaint of sexual harassment involving, a person within that supervisor's purview is required to take prompt corrective action as appropriate and to report the matter.

3. If I don't intend to sexually harass someone, how can my conduct be sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is determined by how the behavior is perceived by the recipient, not by the intent of the sender.

4. Will the alleged harasser know who filed the complaint?

Yes, in most cases.

5. If I am found to have sexually harassed someone, will I lose my job?

Subsequent action for sexual harassment will be equal to the severity of the offense. Actions range from verbal counseling to termination.

6. What can I do to protect myself from allegations of sexual harassment?

-Always conduct yourself in a professional manner.

-Think before acting or speaking and ask yourself:

• Would I do or say this in front of my spouse, parent, or child?
• Would I do or say this if I knew it was going to be printed on the front page of the newspaper?
• Would I say this or behave this way with a member of the same sex?
• Am I respecting the worth and dignity of the individual I am addressing?

7. What can I do to stop the behavior on my own?

Some actions you can take on your own include:

• Telling the individual that the behavior is unwelcome and you want it to stop.
• Writing a letter to the individual, detailing the specific offensive behavior, the effect it had on you and that you want the behavior to stop.
• Placing a copy of the Sexual Harassment Policy on the alleged harasser's desk or in their mailbox.

8. I'm tired of listening to sexually suggestive remarks and jokes between my co-workers. Is there anything I can do?

Yes, this may constitute third party sexual harassment. You can directly confront those participating in the sexual banter, expressing the offensiveness of the behavior and asking them to stop, or report it to the appropriate university official.

9. If I am alleged to have sexually harassed someone, will it go in my personnel file?

Disciplinary action initiated as a result of sexual harassment will be placed in the individual's personnel file. All other records are maintained in the Office of Audit Services.

10. Do my employees have to tell me or can they go directly to the Office of Audit Services?

No, employees are not required to advise their supervisor. They can report directly to the Office of Audit Services.

11. Can men be sexually harassed?

Yes, although women and girls are more likely to be sexually harassed, men and boys can be harassed also.

12. Will the harassment go away if people just ignore it?

No, if ignored the harassment may increase. The lack of a response may encourage the behavior.