1996-1997 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705

The University

Interim University Policy on Sexual Harassment
IUP affirms that sexual harassment is a violation of basic human rights, inconsistent with the purpose and principles of an academic community. Sexual harassment of students and employees is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated.

Any university community member who engages in sexual harassment is subject to the disciplinary process appropriate to his/her classification as an employee or student.

The right to confidentiality of all parties involved in a sexual harassment complaint shall be strictly adhered to insofar as it does not interfere with the university's legal obligation to investigate allegations of misconduct and to take appropriate corrective action.

IUP prohibits retaliatory action against individuals filing either informal or formal complaints of sexual harassment. Nothing contained in this policy protects an individual who maliciously makes false accusations. While seeking to protect those whose dignity might be compromised, it must be emphasized that false accusations of sexual harassment will not be tolerated.

Definition: Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is reprehensible and unlawful. Title IX of the education amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in employment. Sexual harassment is defined as:


a.   making unwelcome sexual advances



b.   requesting sexual favors



c.   verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature whereby submission to such

     conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of

     a person's employment or education



d.   verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or

     effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic,

     personal, or professional performance



e.   verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or

     effect of unreasonably creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive

     educational, social, or work environment



f.   basing employment or academic decisions upon a person's submission to or

     rejection of verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature

Sexual harassment occurs in a variety of situations. Many of these situations have two circumstances in common:

the inappropriate introduction of sexual activities into relationships of unequal power
an element of coercion so that compliance with requests for sexual favors becomes a criterion for granting employment or academic benefits.

Sexual harassment may also involve relationships among equals. In these cases, repeated sexual advances or demeaning verbal behavior have a harmful effect on one's ability to study, live, or work within the academic community.

Questions regarding the Sexual Harassment Policy or complaint procedures may be directed to the Director of Human Resources, G-30 Sutton Hall, IUP. Policy approved by University Senate, May 1, 1990; pending final approval by Council of Trustees.

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This information is maintained by the Office of the Registrar, with approval from the University Senate. Last Modified on Fri Oct 4 14:00:44 1996