Discrimination/Harassment - Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is strictly prohibited at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In accordance with The University of Illinois Statement on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, the University of Illinois prohibits and will not tolerate sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or other sexual misconduct of any kind (including sexual assault, sexual violence, and sexual abuse) of or by employees, students, and visitors. The University will take action to provide remedies when such discrimination, harassment, or misconduct is discovered. The University complies with applicable federal and state laws to achieve an environment for study, work, and public engagement that is free from sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct in all of its forms.

What is Sexual Harassment?

In employment, sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any conduct of a sexual nature when
1. submission to such conduct is either explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of employment; and
2. submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for making decisions about employment; or
3. such conduct interferes with job performance or creates an itimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

In education, sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors made to a student by an executive member, administrative staff, or faculty member; or any conduct of a sexual nature that substantially interferes with the student's educational performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

A hostile environment may be created through unwelcome, severe or pervasive acts:

Sexual advances
Fondling
Shoulder massages
Pinching
Grabbing
Lewd hand gestures
Leering
Suggestive comments
Off-color jokes
Comments on physical attributes
Discussions of sexual exploits
Lewd voicemail messages
Displays of sexually suggestive pictures, photos, cartoons, screen savers
Lewd e-mails or texts
Sexually suggestive posts on social media
Facebook pictures with sexual overtones

The University holds harassers accountable for their actions and issues sanctions consistent with employees' and students' rights.

OAE's investigations and recommendations are determined on a case by case basis.

If you believe that you or someone else has been subjected to sexual harassment, please contact OAE's Executive Associate Director, Tanya Jachimiak, at 312-996-8670 or via email at tljach@uic.edu; or contact Assistant Director, Donn Kamm, at 312-996-8670 or via email at donn@uic.edu.

Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Posters