Sexual harassment differs from a healthy sexual attraction because it is unwelcome and unsolicited and because it usually occurs in a relationship in which one party is in a subordinate position to the other. Sexual harassment may occur in relationships of equal power and between members of the same sex. Specifically, sexual harassment is deliberate repeated unsolicited verbal comments, gestures, or physical contact of a sexual nature which are unwelcome. Examples are requests for sexual favors, sexual jokes or suggestive language, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It is everyone's responsibility to discourage and refuse such overtures and to maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
Supervisors are also liable for the acts of non-employees towards employees.
Sexual harassment has significant negative physical, physiological, and psychological effects on its victims. It degrades all persons, creates a hostile working environment and undermines productivity and morale. It is extremely costly for employers and employees. It is not the intent of the BLM to regulate the social interaction of relationships freely entered into by its employees. However, federal employees have a grave responsibility under the Federal code of conduct and ethics for maintaining high standards of honesty, integrity, impartiality and conduct to assure proper performance of the Government's business and the maintenance of confidence of the American people.