Applicability This Policy prohibiting sexual harassment is applicable to all University of Maryland Eastern Shore faculty, staff, students, volunteers, vendors and contractors. Except as otherwise provided in this Policy, any matter subject to review under this Policy and the procedures contained in this Policy is not subject to review under any other University or System policy and procedure. Anyone believing he or she has been sexually harassed may file a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Human Relations, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other appropriate enforcement agency. Filing a complaint under this Policy does not preclude the right to file a complaint with these enforcement agencies. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment in which faculty, staff, and students can develop intellectually, professionally, personally, and socially, free from intimidation, fear, coercion, and reprisal.
Sexual harassment is a form of illegal gender discrimination.
Sexual harassment between faculty and students or supervisors and subordinates exploits the unequal power structure inherent in these professional relationships and will not be tolerated by the University. Additionally, harassment of employees or students by their peers is also strictly prohibited. Sexual harassment may occur between people of the same or of different genders. Sexual harassment is an infringement on the individual's right to work and study in an environment free from unwanted sexual attention and sexual pressure of any kind. Sexual harassment by UMES faculty, staff, students, volunteers, contractors, and vendors is expressly prohibited.