| It is the policy of Northwestern University that no male or female member of the Northwestern community—students, faculty, administrators, or staff—may sexually harass any other member of the community. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute harassment when: - submission to such conduct is made or threatened to be made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual's employment or education; or
- submission to or rejection of such conduct is used or threatened to be used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting that individual; or
- such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's academic or professional performance or creating what a reasonable person would sense as an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment, educational, or living environment.
Examples of sexual harassment may include but are not limited to the following: - pressure for a dating, romantic, or intimate relationship
- unwelcome touching, patting, or hugging
- pressure for or forced sexual activity
- unnecessary and unwelcome references to various parts of the body
- belittling remarks about a person's gender or sexual orientation
- inappropriate sexual innuendoes or humor
- obscene gestures
- offensive sexual graffiti, pictures, or posters
- e-mail and Internet use that violates this policy
Investigation and Confidentiality
All reports describing conduct that is inconsistent with these policies will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Complaints about violations of these policies will be handled confidentially, with facts made available only to those who need to know in order to investigate and resolve the matter.
Retaliation
The University prohibits retaliation against anyone for registering a complaint pursuant to these policies, assisting another in making a complaint, or participating in an investigation under the policies. Anyone experiencing any conduct that he or she believes to be retaliatory should immediately report it to one of the individuals listed under “Where to Get Advice and Help” on the University website at www.northwestern.edu/sexual-harassment.
Resolution
If you believe you have been sexually harassed in violation of this policy, please seek assistance from one of the individuals listed under "Where to Get Advice and Help" on the University website at www.northwestern.edu/sexual-harassment. If a complaint of sexual harassment is found to be substantiated, appropriate corrective action will follow, up to and including separation of the offending party from the University, consistent with University procedure. | |
