Sexual Harassment, University of California, Berkeley

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual Harassment is:

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of instruction, employment, or participation in other University activity; or
submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for evaluation in making academic or personnel decisions affecting an individual; or
such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive University environment.

In determining whether the alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment, consideration shall be given to the record of the incident as a whole and to the totality of the circumstances, including the context in which the alleged incidents occurred.

Examples of Sexual Harassment

If your instructor, co-worker, supervisor, or peer does any of the following, they are committing sexual harassment.

Your supervisor offers you a promotion, raise, or other employment opportunity in return for your sexual attention or threatens to take action against you for refusing.
Yours instructor offers you a better grade, extra help, or an academic opportunity in return for sexual attention or threatens to take action against you for refusing.
Your supervisor makes repeated sexual comments or asks you questions of a sexual nature that interfere with your work.
An instructor, supervisor, or co-worker touches, hugs, or pats you in a sexual way that interferes with your work.
An advisor or instructor repeatedly asks you questions of a sexual nature which are inappropriate and make you uncomfortable.

What Can You do About Sexual Harassment?

Let the harasser know that the behavior is offensive and unacceptable. Ignoring the behavior will often be taken as tacit consent. Say no. Make it clear (Try saying, I don't like what you are doing, please stop).
Keep a record of dates, places, times, and witnesses of harassing behavior.
Seek advice on how to write a letter to the offender identifying the harassing behavior and requesting that it stop. Keep a copy.
Talk to your co-worker, fellow students, or colleagues.
Consult with the Title IX Compliance Officer or other Campus Resources.
Seek advice and be informed about the options available to you.
Assist in creating an environment that is free of all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation, including sexual harassment.

What is the University Complaint Procedure?

Talk with one of the complaint advisors listed below for advice and information about dealing with your complaint.
Request that the Title IX Compliance Officer attemp informal settlement of your complaint.
File a written complaint with the Title IX Compliance Officer. The Title IX Officer will investigate the complaint, come to a judgement about the case, and recommend a remedy to the appropriate administrative officer.
Use the university grievance procedures for complaints of sexual discrimination if you wish to bypass the previous steps or you are not satisfied with the results obtained from them.

If you feel you have experienced sexual harassment, you should consult any of the campus resources listed below or the Title IX Compliance Officer.

Campus Resources on Sexual Harassment

642-6912
Campus Police Department 642-6760
CARE Services 643-7754
Faculty Assistant - Status of Women 642-7609
Main Library Personnel Office 642-3778
Ombudsperson for Faculty and Students 642-5754
Personnel Office - Employee Relations 642-9046
Rape Prevention Center 642-7310
Title IX Compliance Officer 643-7985
Student Conduct Office 643-9069
Women's Resource Center 642-4786