NCJ Number
186209
Date Published
1998
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the sexual harassment of college students, which may or may not include physical violence.
Abstract
Specifically, the chapter discusses the legal and behavioral definitions of sexual harassment, the impact of sexual harassment on students and professors, and explanatory models for why sexual harassment exists on college campuses. The chapter concludes with suggestions for making the issue of sexual harassment more visible on college campuses by using effective policy statements, investigatory procedures, and campus-wide education programs. In addition, the chapter summarizes other forms of sexual harassment on college and university campuses, such as men as victims rather than perpetrators of sexual harassment. The legal definition of sexual harassment as discussed in this chapter is that used by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Education. OCR recognizes that sexual harassment may take two forms: "quid pro quo" sexual harassment and "hostile environment" sexual harassment. The major elements of "quid pro quo" sexual harassment are unwanted sexual advances, harassment that is sexual, and the linking of submission to a term or condition of school status. "Hostile environment" sexual harassment refers to unwelcome behaviors that are pervasive and/or severe and that affect a student's ability to participate in or benefit from an education program or create an abusive educational environment for the student. Researchers have reported that approximately 50 percent of undergraduate women and approximately 10 percent of college men experience sexual harassment from at least one of their instructors during their 4 years of college. To deal effectively with sexual harassment of college students on campus, the following components have been recommended: an effective policy statement, an effective investigatory procedure, and education/training programs for all members of the campus. 66 references