DEFINITION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The University of Southern California defines sexual harassment as an unwelcome sexual advance, a request for sexual favors, or any other verbal, physical or visual conduct of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s academic evaluation or employment; or submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for any academic evaluation or employment decision affecting that individual. This is known as “quid pro quo.”  
• Such conduct, intentionally or unintentionally, is severe or pervasive enough to create an objectively abusive or hostile work or academic environment. This describes an environment that a reasonable person would find abusive or hostile. Such conduct need not be directed at a particular individual.

To read the complete USC policy on sexual harassment, click here.

Eliminating sexual discrimination in the classroom

• Base statements about gender on accurate, reliable information.
• Respect all students. Avoid "humor" that demeans other people on the basis of gender, gender identity or sexual orientation, just as you would avoid remarks that belittle people based on their race.
• Try to monitor your behavior toward or treatment of men and women in the classroom. Consider whether you call on women and men equally or whether you disproportionately interrupt one sex more than the other.

If you are being harassed ...

• Sexual harassment is not something anyone deserves.
• Communicate your dislike of behavior that makes you uncomfortable.
• Document the problem. Write a detailed summary of what happened.
• Tell someone who is in a position to take action such as a department chair or a staff member in the USC Center for Women & Men.
• Educate yourself about your options.