Speech or expression of a sexual nature, which is professional and appropriate to a lesson or teaching strategy, may be disturbing without also being harassing. Such speech or expression may, however, depart so far from professional or appropriate behavior that it is not protected by academic freedom. The professional teaching of controversial issues shall not be construed as constituting such a departure. The perception of a conduct or expression as harassing does not necessarily constitute sexual harassment. Sexual Assault Sexual misconduct includes both sexual harassment and assault.
Sexual assault is a particularly serious form of sexual misconduct.
It can range from unwanted, intentional physical contact to rape. For faculty, sexual assault will be considered to be a particularly serious form of unprofessional conduct. For staff, sexual assault is misconduct falling within Group Three in the Standards of Conduct document. For students, sexual assault as described in the student handbook could result in College Judiciary Committee action. In general, opportunities for education and awareness are important elements in the resolution of sexual and discriminatory harassment issues.