Although sexual harassment often happens in the context of a relationship of authority, it can also occur in peer relationships. Students, faculty members, administrators, and staff members, regardless of their gender, may be the recipients of harassment. Harassment may be intended or unintentional, subtle or flagrant. It can range from offensive remarks to sexual assault, and it can occur in any setting. Severe acts, such as unwelcome sexual grabbing, need only occur once to be judged harassing, while mildly offensive actions may constitute harassment if repeated and pervasive.
Sexual harassment can be verbal, nonverbal, or physical.
A person in the position of authority, for example, may assume that a sexual relationship is welcome by a subordinate when, in fact, the subordinate may only agree to the relationship out of fear or concern for consequences. Even if a sexual relationship is mutually agreed upon in the beginning, the end of the relationship can prove awkward for both parties, and the potential for unwelcome continued attentions, reprisals, or other abuses at any point is great. In addition, other individuals may be made uncomfortable or denied equal access to the professional attention of the person in the position of authority. Therefore, Syracuse University Policy prohibits all employees from pursuing sexual relationships with undergraduate students whom they are teaching or supervising. The University also strongly discourages sexual relationships between faculty members or administrators and graduate students, and between employees and any subordinates whose work they supervise.