Guidance | Where to Go For Help

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY'S POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT

It is the policy of Northwestern University that no male or female member of the Northwestern community - students, faculty, administrators, or staff - may sexually harass any other member of the community. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute harassment when any of the following occurs:

• Submission to such conduct is made or threatened to be made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual's employment or education; or

• 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

• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's academic or professional performance or creating what a reasonable person would sense is an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment, educational, or living environment.

Some examples of sexual harassment may include:

• Pressure for a dating, romantic, or intimate relationship
• Unwelcome touching, patting, or hugging
• Pressure for or forced sexual activity
• Unnecessary and unwelcome references to various parts of the body
• Belittling remarks about a person's gender or sexual orientation
• Inappropriate sexual innuendoes or humor
• Obscene gestures
• Offensive sexual graffiti, pictures, or posters
• E-mail and Internet use that violates this policy
  

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

Investigation and Confidentiality
All reports describing conduct that is inconsistent with Northwestern’s Sexual Harassment policy will be promptly and thoroughly investigated.  All parties involved in the investigation are expected to cooperate in a truthful manner with the investigation process.  Please refer to the Complaint Resolution Guidelines for additional information regarding the investigation process.

The University cannot promise complete confidentiality in its handling of harassment complaints. Northwestern makes every reasonable effort to handle inquiries, complaints, and related proceedings in a manner that protects the confidentiality of all parties.  Each situation is resolved as discreetly as possible, with information shared only with those who need to know in order to investigate and resolve the matter.  In certain circumstances, the University may be able to address harassment concerns and stop problematic behavior without revealing to the alleged harasser the identity of the person who complained.  However, this is not possible in every matter, as some situations require the disclosure of the complainant’s identity in order to fully investigate the matter and/or to enable the accused harasser to fully respond to the allegations against him or her.  

Confidential counselors are available to discuss harassment issues on a confidential basis.  Because of the confidential nature of the counselor/complainant relationship, seeking advice from a confidential counselor does not constitute reporting an incident of harassment.  To find a confidential counselor, click here.

Retaliation
Northwestern prohibits retaliation against anyone for inquiring about suspected breaches of University policy, registering a complaint pursuant to its policies, assisting another person in making a complaint, or participating in an investigation under its policies.  Retaliation is a serious violation that can subject the offender to sanctions independent of the merits of the sexual harassment allegation.  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 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.  Please refer to the Complaint Resolution Guidelines for additional information. 

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:

•  You believe you have been subjected to conduct that may violate this policy;
• You believe you have been retaliated against in violation of this policy; or
• You hold a supervisory, management or teaching position, and have been told about or witnessed conduct that you think may violate this policy.

Academic Freedom
Northwestern University is committed to the principles of free inquiry and free expression – to providing an environment that encourages the exploration and exchange of ideas.  The University's discrimination and harassment policies are not intended to stifle this freedom, nor will they be permitted to do so.  Prohibited discrimination and harassment, however, are neither legally protected expression nor the proper exercise of academic freedom; and such conduct is incompatible with the values of University.

If you are discriminated against or harassed . . .

• Know that discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment are against University policy and may be against the law.
• Get help by contacting one of the resource people listed in “Where To Get Advice And Help.”
• Review the Sexual Harassment Policy and Additional Resources to learn more about sexual harassment. 
• Don't blame yourself.
• Keep a written, dated record of events.
• Don't delay.

If you think you may have offended or harassed someone . . .

• Change your behavior.
• Apologize as soon as possible.
• Get advice from one of the resource people listed in "Where to Get Advice and Help."
• Educate yourself about the University’s policies and about sexual harassment.       
• Don’t assume others will tell you when they feel offended or harassed by what you say or do.
•  Examine how others respond to what you say and do.
• Consider how your behavior affects others’ self-esteem or attitudes toward their work or education.

Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Advisers

Confidential Counselors

EthicsPoint H