General Policies

University Policy Number 1202

Subject: Sexual Harassment Policy

Responsible Parties: Office of Equity and Diversity Services

Procedures: Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Grievance Procedures
http://www.gmu.edu/equity/policies_grievance.html

Related University Policies: Policy 1201: Non-Discrimination Policy

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I. SCOPE

This policy applies to all George Mason University faculty, staff, students, university contractors, and visitors.

II. POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of University to provide an academic and work environment free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is contrary to the standards and mission of the University. Sexual harassment is illegal and will not be tolerated. Each member of the University community has a responsibility to maintain an academic and work environment free from sexual harassment. The University will take whatever action necessary to prevent, stop, correct, or discipline harassing behavior. Same-sex sexual harassment violates this policy and is subject to discipline under the same procedures.*

Sexual harassment is defined by law as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, physical, or other form of expressive communication of a sexual nature, when submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions, or such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or sexually offensive work or academic environment. Examples of behavior that may be considered sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Sexual assault

2. Explicitly or implicitly requiring submission to sexual advances as a condition or term of education or employment, i.e., grades, employment, promotion, letters of recommendation or other privileges

3. Repetitive sexual comments, questions, jokes, gestures or other forms of sexually explicit expression

Any student, faculty member, or staff employee, who believes he or she is the victim of sexual harassment, should report the incident promptly in the manner most comfortable to him or her. The Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Grievance Procedures, list the various ways to file a complaint.

Retaliation against an individual who has raised claims of illegal discrimination or has cooperated with an investigation of such claims is prohibited.

Any employee who becomes aware of sexual harassment or other potentially discriminatory behavior must contact the Office of Equity and Diversity Services.

III. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

The Office for Equity and Diversity Services is responsible for administering and monitoring George Mason University’s equal opportunity/affirmative action policies and procedures.

IV. COMPLIANCE

Inquiries about or complaints alleging violation of the University's sexual harassment policy should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity Services. Mason Hall D105, MS 2C2, Fairfax, VA 22030. Phone (703) 993-8730. TTY: (888) 205-4130.

V. EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPROVAL

The policies herein are effective April 3, 2006. This Administrative Policy shall be reviewed and revised, if necessary, annually to become effective at the beginning of the University’s fiscal year, unless otherwise noted.

Approved:

____________________
Senior Vice President

____________________
Provost

Date approved: April 20, 2006

* Note: Sexual harassment does not include verbal expression or written material that is relevant to course subject matter or curriculum and this policy shall not abridge academic freedom or George Mason University’s educational mission.