When a professional power differential exists between members of the University of Maine System and a romantic or sexual relationship develops, there is a potential for abuse of that power, even in relationships of apparent mutual consent. A faculty or staff member should not engage in such relationships. Further, the University prohibits the abuse of power in romantic and sexual relationships. To assure that power is not abused and to maintain an environment free of sexual harassment, a faculty or staff member must eliminate any current or potential conflict of interest by removing himself or herself from decisions affecting the other person in the relationships. Decisions affecting the other person include grading, evaluating, supervising, or otherwise influencing that person's education, employment, housing, or participation in athletics or any other University activity.
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexual attention.
It is usually repeated behavior, but could be one serious incident. Although such forms of harassment may be unintentional, words and behaviors may be harassing if they are heard and seen as such by others. Sexual harassment usually occurs in situations where one person has power over another, but it can also occur between equals. Both men and women can be sexually harassed, though women are most often victimized. Sexual harassment can also occur between members of the same sex.