Sexual harassment is contrary to the standards of the university community. It diminishes individual dignity and impedes equal employment and educational opportunities and equal access to freedom of academic inquiry. Sexual harassment is a barrier to fulfilling the university's scholarly, research, educational, and service missions. It will not be tolerated at the University of Michigan. Sexual harassment violates the University's long-standing policy against discrimination on the basis of sex.
Sexual harassment is also illegal.
It is prohibited in the employment context by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, in the education context by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and, in both employment and education contexts, by Michigan's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, adopted in 1976. A claim under this policy may be brought by the university or by a faculty, staff, or student member of the university community based on the conduct of any university employee. Complaints based on conduct by students who are not also employees of the university are addressed in the Interim Policy on Discrimination and Discriminatory Conduct by Students in the University Environment, which is administered by the vice chancellor for student services and enrollment management. Sexual Harassment can be a very serious matter having far-reaching effects on the lives and careers of individuals. Intentionally false accusations can have similar impact.