IUP prohibits retaliatory action against individuals filing either informal or formal complaints of sexual harassment. Nothing contained in this policy protects an individual who maliciously makes false accusations. While seeking to protect those whose dignity might be compromised, it must be emphasized that false accusations of sexual harassment will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is reprehensible and unlawful. Title IX of the education amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in employment.
Sexual harassment occurs in a variety of situations.
Sexual harassment may also involve relationships among equals. In these cases repeated sexual advances or demeaning, verbal behavior have a harmful effect on one's ability to study, live, or work within the academic community. It is the responsibility of students, faculty, and staff members to report complaints of sexual harassment. A primary purpose of the complaint process is to attempt to resolve the complaint at the earliest possible time. If this request does not stop the harassment, or if the offended person prefers not to approach the offender, corrective action may be pursued through the following procedures.