Sexual Harassment

Sex Harassment in the Workplace and School – You Don’t Have To Take It

Sexual harassment in schools and sexual harassment in the workplace are ubiquitous, despite sexual harassment laws on the books and training and educational efforts in schools and workplaces to prevent sexual harassment and to make definitions of what is sexual harassment explicitly clear. Though sexual harassment is a problem that shows no signs of going away, if you’re subjected to sexual harassment, you do not have to take it. There’s no rationalization that ever makes sexual harassment acceptable or “harmless fun”.

It’s important to articulate what is sexual harassment. You don’t have to be the recipient of unwanted physical contact or come-ons to be the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace or sexual harassment in schools. Being subjected to coarse sexual jokes or conversation, being continually asked for dates after turning down the person asking, or being in an environment where sexually explicit or inappropriate images are displayed are all considered to be examples of sexual harassment in the workplace and sexual harassment in schools. The places where you work or study are responsible for taking pro-active steps to prevent sexual harassment, such as ensuring that their staffs all receive training regarding what is sexual harassment and having policies that explicitly forbid sexual harassment. If you experience sexual harassment in the workplace or sexual harassment in schools, in many cases, reporting the offense to management or faculty heads will remedy the situation. If not, you’ve got sexual harassment laws on your side.

Existing sexual harassment laws give you recourse if you ever find yourself subjected to quid pro quo sexual harassment (sexual harassment in which you’re offered something in return for sexual favors) or as a product of a hostile work environment. With regard to sexual harassment in schools, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 acts to prevent sexual harassment by forbidding any educational institution receiving any federal funding to engage in sexual discrimination – sexual harassment falls under this rubric. If a school dismisses your complaint, they’re liable to lose their federal aid. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids sexual harassment in the workplace. These sexual harassment laws provide incentives for schools and workplaces to pro-actively work to prevent sexual harassment and to deal decisively with any individuals who engage in sexual harassment. However, if you’re experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace or at your school and the institution heads don’t provide help, file a lawsuit. Nobody wants the bright light of that spotlight and most of all, it’s important to let them know that you will not tolerate sexual harassment.

If you’re the victim of sexual harassment, remember, it’s not your fault. Never blame yourself. Then do whatever’s necessary to protect yourself from sexual harassment via whatever legal means you need to use. Sexual harassment is never acceptable and you’re always entitled to have your personal dignity respected no matter what environment you’re in.