St. Cloud State University

Student Handbook Policies and Regulations Sexism and Sexual Harassment Policy

Sexism and Sexual Harassment Policy

Harassment of students and employees on the basis of race, national origin and other protected characteristics is prohibited by state law, federal law and the MnSCU board rules and regulations.

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by state and federal law. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an indiviual's employment or education, evaluation of a student's academic performance, or term or condition of participation in student activities or other events or activities sanctioned by the college or university;
2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions about participation in student activities or other events or activities sanctioned by the college or university; or
3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of threatening an individual's employment, interfering with an individual's work or academic performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.

What should you do if you believe you have experienced sexual harassment?

1. Contact the Affirmative Action Officer at 308-5123, or other university people you know and trust. You may bring witnesses, or ask a friend, faculty or staff member to accompany you.
2. You may file an informal or a formal complaint about the behavior.
3. Keep records--write a journal, record the facts on a tape recorder, or tell a friend. Record dates, times, places, witnesses, and the nature of the discrimination or harassment.
4. Much of discrimination and harassment has to do with power. Empower yourself! Tell the person that his or her actions or words are offensive.

For a complete copy of the racism and racial harassment policy, contact the Affirmative Action Officer, 208 Administrative Services Building, 308-5123.