Sexual Harassment: Power Plays on Campus
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One form of sex discrimination is sexual harassment. UCSB has a policy prohibiting
sexual harassment and providing a grievance procedure specifically for this form
of discrimination. Copies of the grievance procedure for sexual harassment may be
obtained from each of the mentioned offices on the previous pages as well as the
website at www.shot9.ucsb.edu.
In addition, the Chancellor has appointed a Sexual Harassment Complaint Resolution
Officer. The task of the Complaint Resolution Officer is to assist individuals with
their complaints of sexual harassment through the informal and formal procedures
described in the sexual harassment policy. Individuals who file a complaint should
know that civil law remedies, including but not limited to injunctions, restraining
orders, or other orders, may also be available to them. Further information and/or
assistance can be obtained from the Sexual Harassment Complaint Resolution Officer,
Paula Rudolph, Phelps Hall 3213; 893-2546.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment occurs when unwanted attention of a sexual nature interferes with
a person's ability to obtain an education, work or participate in recreational or
social activities at UCSB. Sexual harassment is an abuse of informal or formal power
or authority. In the few studies that have examined student-to-student harassment
at colleges, as many as 90 percent of undergraduate women reported at least one
negative experience from male students. Sexual harassment on the part of faculty
may be obnoxious or very subtle. It may be confusing to you because what you experience
may be difficult to describe. If you think you are being sexually harassed, you
don't have to tolerate it and you shouldn't ignore it. Sexual harassment can include:
- personal jokes or negative comments about you personally or about you as a female
or male (gender harassment);
- pressure to spend time with a professor/teaching
assistant outside the academic setting, to get romantically involved or date, or
personal questions that make you feel uncomfortable;
- uninvited or unwelcome touching
(touching can include hugging or grabbing, frequently brushing against you or asking
you to sit uncomfortably close);
- asking you directly for sexual favors in exchange
for a better/passing grade, assignment, or a favorable recommendation.
What should I do if I'm sexually harassed?
Students who are sexually harassed are often so confused, worried, or angry that
they don't know what to do. The most important thing you can do is believe in yourself.
You didn't cause this problem, but you can start solving it right now!
Say No! Tell
the person that you don't like the behavior and you want it to stop. Say it firmly
without smiling; this is not the time to be vague or polite. Bring along a friend
for support. Or write a letter to the person telling him or her to stop. Describe
what has happened, how you feel about it, and what you want to happen next (stop
it, apologize to me, keep things professional, restore my original grade, etc.).
Tell Someone! Talk to a good friend, a counselor, or your R.A. You are not crazy
and this is not your fault. Find someone who can listen to you and support you.
Write it down! Keep a written journal of everything that happens. Be specific-note
the dates, places, times, witnesses, what was said and done and how you responded.
This document will help you sort out your thoughts and will be helpful if you decide
to file a complaint. Keep copies of any email between you and the alleged harasser.
Where can I get help if it doesn't stop?
It may be that saying no, talking to a friend, and writing it down aren't enough.
The University of California, Santa Barbara has a specific policy which prohibits
sexual harassment on campus. The University's policy encourages both informal and
formal resolution of complaints. Informal resolution includes a variety of confidential
methods-for example, meetings between you and the alleged harasser with a third-party
present, or sending a letter to the alleged harasser describing what's bothering
you. You also have the right to file a formal complaint and request that the University
conduct an investigation. If a violation of the University's policy on sexual harassment
is found, then appropriate sanctions (punishment) are imposed./p>
It is important to seek University assistance even if you are unsure that what you
are experiencing is sexual harassment. There are several departments on campus designated
as places where you can talk to qualified people about your questions and concerns.
You can also go directly to a supervisor, administrative department head, academic
chair, or college dean. The following offices are designated to help with sexual
harassment questions and complaints:
Remember: sexual harassment is a violation of the law and a violation of your right
to a learning atmosphere free from all forms of harassment, exploitation and intimidation.
For further information on sexual harassment including in-person and online prevention
training, visit http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/women'scenter/sexualharassment/index.asp asp or contact the coordinator of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Education Program,
UCSB Women's Center, SRB first floor, 893-3778.
- Women's Center, Sexual Harassment Prevention Education Program
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