Professionalism is fostered by an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect which is diminished when those in positions of authority abuse or appear to abuse their power. Moreover, such relationships between supervisors and employees, while not expressly forbidden, are deemed very unwise and can lead to charges of sexual harassment. The Affirmative Action Office is vested with the responsibility to ensure University compliance with this Policy. Justice requires that the rights and concerns of both the complainant and respondent be fully assured. The Affirmative Action Officer makes every effort to protect these rights, and to assure that no action is undertaken that threatens or compromises them.
Prevention is the best tool for the elimination of sexual harassment.
It is the obligation for each faculty, staff, or student member of the University to adhere to this Policy. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or education, or 2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is use as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individual, or 3. Such conduct has the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or creating, an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, or learning environment. This applies to all conduct, regardless of the gender or sexual orientation of the individuals involved.