Although statistical data on the incidence of sexual harassment at community colleges are limited, two things are clear. First, sexual harassment does occur on community college campuses. Second, it is obviously in serious conflict with the college's educational mission, and must be addressed and eliminated. A definition of sexual harassment varies depending on context.
Ethical perspectives can dictate a definition that is somewhat broader than a legal definition.
However, legal and ethical definitions overlap and are constantly evolving pursuant to current developments on campuses, in industry, and in the courts. This Digest examines the need for clear definitions in order to address the problem of sexual harassment and discusses some of the remedies being implemented to create and maintain an hospitable educational community for all students. Community colleges, as integral members of the higher education system, must address the realities of sexual harassment with the utmost seriousness, or they will face the inevitable consequences of costly litigation, public embarrassment, and the unacceptable degradation of students, staff, and faculty. Some of these acts are offenses punishable by law. Others relate to ethical considerations of the academic workplace.