A significant number of sexual harassment incidents are reported each year. However, the number of cases has steadily decreased since 1991. Definition of Harassment Official Wording Harassment is any conduct, verbal or physical, on or off campus, that has the intent or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual or group's educational or work performance at MIT or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational, work, or living environment. Some kinds of harassment are prohibited by civil laws or by MIT policies on conflict of interest and nondiscrimination. Short and Long Term Effects Harassment effects are far-reaching, beginning with the effects on a personal level and growing into an institute wide problem.
Harassment first affects the personal life of the victim.
Personal Lab Dept MIT Community Students are depressed and afraid. Research group generates poor results due to lack of teamwork. Limits inter-lab communication and interdisciplinary projects. People leave the academic environment to work in workplaces which monitor and address harassment more actively. These steps apply to victims, observers, and perpetrators 1.