Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment Definition

". . . unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature . . . it includes instances when such conduct is indicated to be a term or condition of an individual's academic or employment experience; is used as a basis for academic and employment decisions; interferes with an individual's academic or employment performance; or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive academic or employment environment."

Sexual harassment can be as subtle as a look or as blatant as rape. It can occur within and beyond the classroom and workplace. Both men and women can be sexually harassed, although women are most often victims. Verbal harassment may include humor or jokes about women, sex or sexual orientation. Sexual harassment often occurs in situations where one person has power over another, but it may also occur among peers. The three examples below are intended to illustrate sexual harassment behavior.

It was common practice in an instructor's lectures during the first week of class to show a technical anatomical slide show that included unrelated slides of nude women taken from popular magazines. Complaints had been filed with the dean, but the practice continued.
Tanya, a sophomore, requested a meeting with her instructor to discuss a 'D' she received on an essay exam. He told her that she could get an 'A' if she'd go to bed with him. He also tried to kiss her and put his arm around her waist. She didn't resist the physical advances at the time but refused to go to his apartment. He then changed her 'D' to a failing grade.
Margaret, a student doing work study, applied for and accepted a job in a departmental lab even though several friends had warned her about the harassment other women had experienced there. She saw the calendars of nude women in men's offices and heard sexual innuendoes being made about fellow female coworkers or students whenever she went to the employee lounge. Two weeks after she started her job, she saw a male supervisor grab a woman from behind and fondle her breasts. The woman struggled and ran from the room. Margaret filed a complaint.

It is all too common for someone accused of sexual harassment to say, 'I didn't realize that s(he) would be offended by that.' All members of the Moraine Park community should become more knowledgeable about sexual harassment and sensitive to the impact of their behavior on others. Members of the Moraine Park community who supervise others have a special responsibility in this regard. They must help create an environment that actively discourages behavior that could be viewed as sexual harassment. Everyone is encouraged to speak out when they see, hear of, or experience incidents of sexual harassment.

If you feel that you may be the victim of sexual harassment, talk to someone you trust about the situation. You may feel embarrassed or worry that you did something to provoke the unwanted behavior, but you have a right to pursue your education or perform your job in an environment free from this type of interference. For assistance, refer to the section regarding support services available on campus and in the community for victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment.

Any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual or intimidating nature should be reported to the District Equal Opportunity Officer at the District Office - Fond du Lac.

Wisconsin Statute 947.013 - Harassment (1)

Whoever, with intent to harass or intimidate another person, does any of the
following is subject to a Class B forfeiture:

Strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects the person to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same
Engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts that harass or intimidate the person and that serve no legitimate purpose

Penalties Wisconsin Statute 939.50 classifies felonies as Class A-E.

Wisconsin Statute 939.50(3) Penalties for felonies are as follows:

For a Class A felony, life imprisonment.
For a Class B felony, imprisonment not to exceed 20 years.
For a Class C felony, a fine not to exceed $10,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 10 years, or both.
For a Class D felony, a fine not to exceed $10,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 5-years, or both.
For a Class E felony, a fine not to exceed $10,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 2 years, or both.

Wisconsin Statute 939.51 classifies misdemeanors as Class A-C.

Wisconsin Statute 939.51(3) Penalties for misdemeanors are as follows:

For a Class A misdemeanor, a fine not to exceed $10,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 9 months, or both.
For a Class B misdemeanor, a fine not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days, or both.
For a Class C misdemeanor, a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both.

Wisconsin Statute 939.52 classifies forfeitures as Class A-E.

Wisconsin Statute 939.52(3) - Penalties for forfeitures are as follows:

For a Class A forfeiture, a forfeiture not to exceed $10,000.
For a Class B forfeiture, a forfeiture not to exceed $1,000.
For a Class C forfeiture, a forfeiture not to exceed $500.
For a Class D forfeiture, a forfeiture not to exceed $200.
For a Class E forfeiture, a forfeiture not to exceed $25.

Safety Tips

There are many ways you can protect yourself against sexual assault and various forms of harassment. The following identify a few:

Be alert and aware of your immediate surroundings, both inside and outside. Notice people, the lighting, and access to phones and exits.
Learn to be willing to make a scene by speaking up or by responding in some way if you feel threatened, frightened or uncomfortable. Listen to and act upon your gut feelings and instincts.
Be aware of the impact of alcohol and other drugs on your judgment and that of your date/friends. These drugs frequently play a secondary role in sexual assault and other crimes of violence.
Walk with a friend or use public transportation instead of walking alone in secluded areas in the evening. Always have a plan including money and/or phone numbers to take an alternate way home.
Make sure you and others have a safe way home at the end of a work shift, class or meeting.
Report any suspicious person on campus immediately to the Campus Administrator or Facilities Associate. Many assailants are, in fact, repeat offenders. Your tip could be the missing link that the police need to solve a crime.
Talk about sexual expectations with your partner. Sex without mutual agreement is rape.
Use clear communication with a person who shows interest in you. Interpreting friendliness as an invitation or assuming your friend feels the same way you do can lead to unwanted sexual contact.
Respect your friend's words. No means no.
You can't tell the 'good guys' from the 'bad guys' by appearances. Trust your instincts.
Learn self-defense for your own protection. Check your local phone book for listings under 'self-defense,' 'karate' and other 'martial arts.' In some communities, YMCAs or community colleges offer self-defense courses.