It is the policy of Northwestern University that no member of the Northwestern community - students, faculty, administrators, staff, vendors, contractors, or third parties - may sexually harass any other member of the community. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature constitute harassment when:
Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used or threatened to be used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting that individual; or
Some examples of sexual harassment may include:
Sexual Violence Statement
Sexual violence is a prohibited form of sexual harassment. Sexual violence includes physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person's will or where a person is incapable of giving consent due to use of drugs and/or alcohol or to an intellectual or other disability. Some examples of sexual violence may include rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion.
Investigation and Confidentiality
All reports describing conduct that is inconsistent with the Policy on Sexual Harassment or the Policy on Discrimination and Harassment will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Complaints about violations of these policies will be handled discreetly, with facts made available only to those who need to know to investigate and resolve the matter.
Retaliation
The University prohibits retaliation against anyone for registering a complaint pursuant to these policies, assisting another in making a complaint, or participating in an investigation under the policies. Anyone experiencing any conduct that he or she believes to be retaliatory should immediately report it to one of the individuals listed under “Where to Get Advice and Help.”
Resolution
If a complaint of discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment is found to be substantiated, appropriate corrective action will follow, up to and including separation of the offending party from the University, consistent with University procedure.
Your Responsibilities
All members of the University community are responsible for creating a working, learning and living environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. It is important to contact one of the individuals listed under “Where to Get Advice and Help” if any of the following occurs:
Vendors, Contractors and Third Parties
The University's policies on discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment apply to the conduct of vendors, contractors and third parties. If a member of the University community believes that he or she has been subjected to conduct by a vendor, contractor or third party that violates these policies, the community member should contact one of the individuals listed under “Where to Get Advice and Help.” The University will respond as appropriate, given the nature of its relationship to the vendor, contractor or third party.
Academic Freedom
While Northwestern University is committed to the principles of free inquiry and free expression, discrimination and harassment identified in this policy are neither legally protected expression nor the proper exercise of academic freedom.
If you believe you have been discriminated against or harassed:
Contact one of the individuals listed under “Where to get Advice and Help.”If you witness or become aware of possible discriminatory or harassing conduct by others:
Contact one of the individuals listed under “Where to get Advice and Help.”
If you think you may have offended or harassed someone:
Don’t assume others will tell you when they feel offended or harassed by what you say and do.
Examine how others respond to what you say and do.
Apologize as soon as possible.
Change your behavior.
What You Should Know About Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Harassment