This policy defines sexual harassment and conduct which is subject to disciplinary action at UW-Stout. The policy's appendices include the University's statement on consensual relationships, as well as informal and formal options for addressing allegations of discrimination on the basis of sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination.
However, sexual harassment may also involve relationships among equals, as when repeated sexual advances or demeaning verbal behavior have a harmful effect on a person's ability to study or work in the academic setting. It is the policy of the University of Wisconsin-Stout to seek to protect the university's employees and students from sexual harassment as defined above and to attempt to rid the university of such conduct. Any retaliatory action against a person lodging a sexual harassment complaint may be considered a violation of the UW-Stout Policy on Sexual Harassment and is subject to the same complaint grievance procedures and sanctions as the act of sexual harassment itself. This policy does not address consensual relationships that do not involve sexual harassment. However, the university discourages consensual relationships between an instructor and student or a supervisor and employee because of the inherent differences in power and authority.