It interferes with learning and productive work. In short, it is a breach of community. Moreover, depending on the circumstances, it violates our Campus Code of Conduct, the President s statement on Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity, the Board of Trustees Policy on Equal Educational and Employment Opportunity, and federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment based upon sex. According to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines, sexual harassment is an act of discrimination on the basis of sex within the meaning of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Sexual harassment is similarly construed within the meaning of Title IX of the Education Amendments pertaining to academic life.
Remedies are readily at hand.
Those who believe they are being sexually harassed have a right to object to this behavior, first of all by telling the perpetrator to stop. If the objectionable behavior continues, or if circumstances make direct confrontation unwise, those with complaints or concerns are encouraged to consult the Office of Equal Opportunity or the Ombudsman. Students, staff, and faculty members may also consult other appropriate offices such as the Judicial Administrator, a faculty adviser or harassment adviser, a dean, or other administrative officer. Complainants are assured of appropriate confidentiality and are protected from retaliation for having reported the incident. As part of Cornell s ongoing effort to enhance our environment for working and learning, I have asked the Office of Equal Opportunity to assume a special monitoring role with respect to cases of sexual harassment.