Sexual harassment can be physical or verbal. It includes:

• Hostile environment: A hostile environment occurs when another person makes you uncomfortable with staring, whistling, shouting, crude jokes, suggestive touching, stalking, tons of e-mails or phone calls or any other unwanted contact.


• Quid pro quo: This is a Latin phrase that means "something for something." It refers to a situation in which somebody in a position of power over you threatens to give you a bad grade, kick you off a team or not let you play, or get you in trouble if you don't agree to the sexual act. It may also refer to a boss who bribes you with a better job or more pay in exchange for sexual favors. This person is incorrectly using his or her higher status above you, and it is illegal.

In 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments was passed to outlaw gender discrimination and sexual harassment in schools. It also outlawed harassment during school activities like field trips or dances.

Back to top