PSU Sexual Harassment Policy

 

1.

Policy
Sexual Harassment, in all its forms, is unethical behavior, disruptive of workplace and campus life, and inherently antithetical to the University’s mission, purpose and functioning. PSU administration, faculty, staff, and students are responsible for assuring that PSU maintains an environment for work, study, and the provision of services and activities that is free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is prohibited by Federal and State law, Oregon University System rules and policy, and is prohibited at Portland State University (PSU).
 

2.

Definition
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome and unwanted sexual advance or request for sexual favor or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
A. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, participation in a sponsored educational program, participation in services, or participation in sponsored activity; or
B. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used either explicitly or implicitly as a basis for any decision affecting terms or conditions of an individual’s employment, participation in a sponsored educational program, participation in services, or participation in sponsored activity; or
C. Such conduct has the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance, receipt of services or academic activities, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Sexual harassment can occur between any individuals associated with PSU, i.e., between an employee and a supervisor; between co-workers; between faculty members; between a faculty, staff or student and a customer, patient, vendor, or contractor; or between a student and a faculty member or another student. Sexual harassment can occur independent of the gender of the parties involved.
 

3.

Examples of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can encompass any sexual attention that is unwelcome and unwanted. Examples of verbal or physical conduct prohibited by this Policy include, but are not limited to:
A. A pattern of sexually charged conduct not legitimately related to the subject matter of a course that causes discomfort or embarrassment including:
  • comments of a sexual nature;
  • sexually explicit statements, questions, jokes, or anecdotes;
  • touching, patting, hugging, brushing against a person’s body, or repeated focused staring;
  • remarks about sexual activity, experience, or orientation; and/or
  • display of inappropriate sexually oriented materials in a location where others can see it
B. Direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances will be a condition of employment, work status, participation in activities, promotion, grades, assignments, or letters of recommendation; and
C. Physical sexual assault.
 

4.

Reporting Sexual Harassment
PSU encourages anyone who believes that s/he has experienced or witnessed sexual harassment to come forward promptly. While sexual harassment concerns may sometimes be resolved by the person being harassed dealing directly with the alleged harasser, when such a course of action is not possible or appropriate, concerns or issues regarding sexual harassment should be brought to the attention of:
A. A supervisor or department head most directly concerned, excluding the person accused of the harassment;
B. Any academic or administrative official of PSU including but not limited to the president, a vice president, university counsel, the provost or a vice provost, a dean, a chair, or a director;
C. The Office of Affirmative Action;
D. Office of Student Affairs;
E. Members of the Sexual Harassment Resource Network;
F. Ombuds Office;
G. Campus Public Safety.
Any Supervisor, Manager, Faculty Member, Sexual Harassment Resources Network Member, or other University Official who receives a report of sexual harassment shall promptly notify the Affirmative Action Office of the complaint. The Affirmative Action Office has primary responsibility for investigating and resolving reports of sexual harassment.
 

5.

Options for Resolution
Individuals who report concerns about sexual harassment will be advised of their options for resolution of the complaint. These options include:
A. Informal resolution of the complaint with the assistance of the Affirmative Action Office and, where appropriate, the individual(s) to whom the report was initially made; or
B. Filing a formal grievance through the University's grievance procedures.
 

6.

Confidentiality
To the extent possible, PSU treats as confidential all information received in connection with reports of sexual harassment. It may become necessary, however, to disclose particulars during the course of an investigation or attempt at resolution. All individuals who participate in any procedure under this policy have an obligation to maintain the highest confidentiality of any of the matters discussed.
 

7.

Non-Retaliation
Retaliation against an individual for reporting sexual harassment or for participating in an attempt at resolution, an investigation, or any activity under this policy is strictly prohibited. Any act of retaliation or reprisal violates this policy and will be treated as a separate matter. Anyone found to have retaliated against anyone making use of this policy or any procedures related to this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary or corrective action(s), up to and including severance of any relationship with PSU.
 

8.

False Complaints
It is a violation of this policy for anyone to make an intentionally false accusation of sexual harassment. Anyone who is found to have made an intentionally false accusation of sexual harassment will be subject to appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action.
 

9.

Corrective Action
Where sexual harassment is found, steps will be taken to ensure that the harassment is stopped immediately. Appropriate corrective measures will be implemented and may range from counseling, verbal or written reprimands, suspensions, or other action, up to and including dismissal, in accordance with established PSU policies and procedures. Matters involving students will be investigated by the Affirmative Action Office and findings will be forwarded to the Office of Student Affairs for processing under the Student Conduct Code.


 
Portland State University Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity
Last Modified: October 02 2005.