All of the unions at the University have clauses dealing with sexual harassment in their collective agreements. Unionized staff can check with a steward or other union official to see if they are covered by such a clause. If they are, that clause will be used to deal with complaints of sexual harassment made by or about unionized staff. The Sexual Harassment Officer will work with the union to resolve complaints. The University's Sexual Harassment Policy will apply to staff not covered by a collective agreement.
Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual attention.
The University of Toronto's Sexual Harassment Policy defines it as any unwelcome pressure for sexual favours, or any offensive emphasis on the sex or sexual orientation of another person. It is behaviour which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or learning environment. Students, staff and faculty can be both the victims and the perpetrators of sexual harassment and it can occur between two co-workers. Although women are most often sexually harassed by men, the reverse can occur. The Sexual Harassment Policy also covers harassment of lesbians and gay men.