Acts of sexual harassment take place every day in schools across the country. Many people do not realize that sexual harassment that interferes with a person's educational progress is illegal, just as it is illegal in the workplace. Although girls experience more sexual harassment, it can also happen to boys. And both boys and girls could by harassed by someone of the same sex. While the focus of this information sheet is on sexual harassment, harassment because of race, national origin , religion and physical and mental disability is also illegal.
Harassment is everyone's problem.
An educational institution that allows harassment to go unchecked can experience serious morale problems, resulting in poor working conditions for staff and an unsatisfactory educational experience for students. There is also the emotional impact of feeling embarrassed, self-conscious, less confident, and guilty about being the target of harassment. Many victims report being afraid of the harasser and trying to avoid contact with this person. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with a person's education process. The harassment may be quid pro quo , in which a person in authority demands sexual favors in return for a benefit for the student, such as a passing grade or admission to a class or program.