Students and Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment involves unwelcome conduct in the areas of sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical sexual conduct. Sexual harassment is usually found in the context of a relationship of unequal power, rank, or status, but may be in a peer relationship as well. Sexual harassment can cause harm even if it was not the person’s intention to harass. The harassment can take place in or outside of the classroom. If the conduct interferes with a student’s academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment, it may be considered sexual harassment.

The California Educational Code Section 89535 covers the sexual harassment of students. Common reactions by students who have been harassed is to doubt their perception, wonder if it was a joke or if it really happened, or if, in some way, they have brought the harassment on themselves. A student may begin to participate less in the classroom, drop or avoid classes, or even change majors.