harassment even if it only happened once. Other, less
obvious behaviors can become sexual harassment if
they are repeated.
RANGE OF BEHAVIORS
There is a wide range of behaviors, from leering to
r a p e , t h a t c a n b e u n w e l c o m e , s e x u a l , a n d
work-connected. These behaviors can constitute sexual
harassment. Some behaviors may be unwelcome and
work-connected, but not sexual (for example,
performance counseling). This behavior is not sexual
harassment. To make it easier to understand, it is helpful
to think of the entire range of possible behavior in terms
of a traffic light. The traffic light has three colors—red,
yellow, and green. Behavior may be divided into three
zones.
Red on the traffic light means stop; behavior in
the red zone means don’t do it—it’s sexual
harassment.
Yellow on the traffic light means use caution;
behavior zone may be sexual harassment.
Green on the traffic light means go. Behavior in
the green zone means it’s acceptable—it’s not
sexual harassment.
Just as with a traffic light, if in the yellow zone long
enough, the light will turn red. If yellow zone behavior
is repeated enough, especially after having been told it
is unwelcome, it becomes red zone behavior—sexual
harassment. The following show these three types of
behavior, but they are certainly not all-inclusive:
NOTE
Remember that the above examples are only guides.
Individuals who believe they are being sexually
harassed base their belief on their perceptions. Also,
each incident is judged on all the facts in that particular
case, and that individual’s judgment may vary on the
same facts. Therefore, use caution. Any time sexual
behavior is introduced into the work environment or
among coworkers, the individuals involved are on
notice that the behavior may constitute sexual
harassment.
REPORTING AN INCIDENT INVOLVING
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Individuals who believe they have been sexually
harassed have ways to seek resolution and redress
(remedy). Check with your CMEO officer for the
avenues available to you. All reported incidents of
sexual harassment are investigated and resolved at the
lowest appropriate level. All incidents are resolved
promptly and with sensitivity. Confidentiality will be
maintained to every extent possible.
1-21
Student Notes:
Red zone. These behaviors are always considered sexual harassment. They
include sexual favors in return for employment rewards, threats if sexual favors
aren’t provided, sexually explicit pictures (including calendars or posters) or
remarks, using status to request dates, or obscene letters or comments. The most
severe forms of sexual harassment constitute criminal conduct; that is, sexual
assault (ranging from forcefully grabbing to fondling, forced kissing, or rape).
Yellow zone. Many people would find these behaviors unacceptable, and they
could be sexual harassment. These behaviors include violating personal
“space,” whistling, questions about personal life, lewd or sexually suggestive
comments, suggestive posters or calendars, off-color jokes, leering, staring,
repeated requests for dates, foul language, unwanted letters or poems, sexually
suggestive touching, or sitting or gesturing sexually.
Green zone. These behaviors are not sexual harassment. They include
performance counseling, touching that couldn’t reasonably be perceived in a
sexual way (such as touching someone on the elbow), counseling on military
appearance, social interaction, showing concern, encouragement, a polite
compliment, or friendly conversation.
