Therefore, it is primarily an issue of abuse of power, not sex. Sexual harassment is a breach of a trusting relationship that should be a sex-neutral and relaxed situation. It is unprofessional conduct and undermines the integrity of the employment relationship. Sexual harassment is coercive behavior, whether implied or actual. It is unwanted attention and intimacy in a nonreciprocal relationship.
Sexual harassment is an illegal form of sex discrimination.
It is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the federal law prohibiting employment discrimination. Sexual harassment of a student is a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational institutions receiving federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment is a violation of professional ethics. The intent of the UMCP Sexual Harassment Policy is to prevent sexual harassment and not to prohibit personal and social relationships among supervisors, co-workers, faculty, and students.