What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual Harassment is. . .
unwanted verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature, which interferes with one’s academic performance or work environment.

Examples:

• Sexual remarks, innuendoes, jokes or comments
• Suggestive or obscene gestures or body movements
• Repeated requests for dates, after you have expressed disinterest
• Sexual graffiti or visuals such as calendars or posters
• Unwanted touching, grabbing, massaging, hugging or patting
• Pressure or repeated requests for unwanted social or sexual activity
• Spreading rumors about a person’s sexuality
• Unwanted emails that are sexually suggestive
• Threats to lower your grades if you don’t accept any of the above
• Threats to fire you from your job if you do not submit to an employers’ social/sexual demands
  

What can you do if you think you are being harassed?

• Don’t ignore the situation.
• Don’t blame yourself.
• Tell someone: a trusted friend, advisor, or counselor.
• Talk to a friend or someone whom you trust about what is happening and what you are feeling.
• Tell, or write, the person who is harassing you to stop. It is important to let them know that you don’t like what they’re doing.
• Keep written, dated records of your experience: times, places, names.
• Ask for help; you are not alone.
• Know your rights. The Gender Equity Counselor can give you information on both informal and formal complaint procedures.

Sexual harassment is illegal in the U.S.

Myths about Sexual Harassment

Myth In the U.S., people are free to say anything they want as long as it does not become an action
Fact In the U.S., freedom of speech involves the free discussion of ideas, not asking for sexual favors or intimidating someone because of his/her gender

Myth There is nothing that I can do about sexual harassment; it is his/her word against mine.
Fact Sexual harassment is illegal. Talk to a friend or the Gender Equity Counselor. Learn your options.

Myth Sexual harassment concerns are an overreaction to flirting
Fact Sexual harassment makes you feel bad, is one-sided, degrading and makes you feel powerless. Flirting makes you feel good, is reciprocal, is based on equality and is wanted.

Myth Only women are sexually harassed.
Fact Anyone can be sexually harassed: women, men, children, heterosexuals, bisexuals, gays, lesbians, and transgender individuals.

Some people think that sexual harassment isn't that serious. . .BUT IT IS very serious. In the U.S., Sexual harassment is prohibited by Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education.

Types of Sexual Harassment

Quid pro quo (this for that)
For example, occurs when your teacher offers you a better or passing grade or threatens your grade status based on your response to his/her demands for sexual favors.

Hostile Environment
For example, occurs when physical, verbal or visual sexual harassment is severe enough to interfere with your schoolwork. This form of harassment does not have to involve your grade status and can be initiated by your professor, a school official or fellow student.

Where can you go for help?

University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
-students, staff, and faculty can obtain further information, advice and assistance from the following individuals and offices:

Beverly A. McCreary, Ph.D.
Gender Equity Counselor
University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
2600 Campus Road, QLCSS 210
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808) 956-9499
bmccrear@hawaii.edu

Lori Ideta, Ed.D.
Dean of Students Office
University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
2600 Campus Road, QLCSS 409
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808) 956-3290

Jill Nunokawa
Civil Rights Counselor
University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
2600 Campus Road, QLCSS 210
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808) 956-4431

Educator's Guide to Controlling Sexual Harassment (1993) Thompson Publishing Group

This brochure was published by the Gender Equity Office, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, and is available in alternate format upon request for persons with print disabilities. Call 956-9499 for assistance.