Advice Regarding Sexual Harassment

Statement of Philosophy

Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania strives to recognize human dignity and therefore does not tolerate sexual harassment within or connected to this institution. Harassment is illegal and unfairly interferes with the opportunity for all persons, regardless of gender, to have a comfortable and productive work or education environment. The university is committed to taking all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and to discipline those who do harass.

Policy

The university has adopted a policy regarding sexual harassment which is printed in the Student Handbook and in the second edition of the Eagle Eye. Please refer to that policy from time to time so that you will remain familiar with its contents. A copy of the policy may be obtained from the the contact persons designated below or from your supervisor or academic adviser.

Sexual harassment is any demeaning, humiliating, ridiculing, threatening, or intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. Such conduct or situation has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a person’s ability to perform his/her job or academic pursuits and is based on the sex or sexual orientation of that person.

We recommend that you contact or meet with one or more of the Board of Advisors listed at the bottom of this page, if you have questions.

Remember…

1. "No means no"- if you are told "no" to your request for a date or any other social activity or for physical or sex acts, do not persist. Do not assume that failure to say "no" means "yes."

2. If you believe that you are being harassed or you are receiving requests that you do not desire, state "no" clearly. In the event that you believe that sexual harassment has or is occurring, you re encouraged to communicate clearly, preferably in writing, to the harasser and state that the conduct is not acceptable.

3. Be aware that a relationship that once was agreed to may become nonconsensual. If that happens, stop and do not persist in further attempts to continue the relationship.

4. Maintain records of events that you believe might be harassment. You might wish to do this in the form of a detailed journal and you should maintain contemporaneous records throughout the process.

5. If you believe that you have been harassed, or if you are in doubt about your conduct or the conduct of some other person, either complete the Sexual Harassment Report Form or contact one of the designated Board of Advisors listed below. They are trained to help you.

6. All information will be held in strict confidence.