It is unwanted attention and intimacy in a nonreciprocal relationship. Sexual harassment is an illegal form of sex discrimination. It is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the federal law prohibiting employment discrimination. Sexual harassment of a student is a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational institutions receiving federal financial assistance.
Sexual harassment is a violation of professional ethics.
The intent of the UMCP Sexual Harassment Policy is to prevent sexual harassment and not to prohibit personal and social relationships among supervisors, co-workers, faculty, and students. However, consenting, or those which appear consenting, sexual relationships between supervisory and subordinate personnel, and any other relationship with a definite power differential is of concern to the University of Maryland. Charges of sexual harassment, favoritism, bias or sex discrimination may be raised, even if both parties had initially consented to the relationship.