harassment even if it only happened once. Other, lessobvious behaviors can become sexual harassment ifthey are repeated.RANGE OF BEHAVIORSThere is a wide range of behaviors, from leering tor 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 dwork-connected. These behaviors can constitute sexualharassment. Some behaviors may be unwelcome andwork-connected, but not sexual (for example,performance counseling). This behavior is not sexualharassment. To make it easier to understand, it is helpfulto think of the entire range of possible behavior in termsof a traffic light. The traffic light has three colors—red,yellow, and green. Behavior may be divided into threezones.Red on the traffic light means stop; behavior inthe red zone means don’t do it—it’s sexualharassment.Yellow on the traffic light means use caution;behavior zone may be sexual harassment.Green on the traffic light means go. Behavior inthe green zone means it’s acceptable—it’s notsexual harassment.Just as with a traffic light, if in the yellow zone longenough, the light will turn red. If yellow zone behavioris repeated enough, especially after having been told itis unwelcome, it becomes red zone behavior—sexualharassment. The following show these three types ofbehavior, but they are certainly not all-inclusive:NOTERemember that the above examples are only guides.Individuals who believe they are being sexuallyharassed base their belief on their perceptions. Also,each incident is judged on all the facts in that particularcase, and that individual’s judgment may vary on thesame facts. Therefore, use caution. Any time sexualbehavior is introduced into the work environment oramong coworkers, the individuals involved are onnotice that the behavior may constitute sexualharassment.REPORTING AN INCIDENT INVOLVINGSEXUAL HARASSMENTIndividuals who believe they have been sexuallyharassed have ways to seek resolution and redress(remedy). Check with your CMEO officer for theavenues available to you. All reported incidents ofsexual harassment are investigated and resolved at thelowest appropriate level. All incidents are resolvedpromptly and with sensitivity. Confidentiality will bemaintained to every extent possible.1-21Student Notes:Red zone. These behaviors are always considered sexual harassment. Theyinclude sexual favors in return for employment rewards, threats if sexual favorsaren’t provided, sexually explicit pictures (including calendars or posters) orremarks, using status to request dates, or obscene letters or comments. The mostsevere forms of sexual harassment constitute criminal conduct; that is, sexualassault (ranging from forcefully grabbing to fondling, forced kissing, or rape).Yellow zone. Many people would find these behaviors unacceptable, and theycould be sexual harassment. These behaviors include violating personal“space,” whistling, questions about personal life, lewd or sexually suggestivecomments, suggestive posters or calendars, off-color jokes, leering, staring,repeated requests for dates, foul language, unwanted letters or poems, sexuallysuggestive touching, or sitting or gesturing sexually.Green zone. These behaviors are not sexual harassment. They includeperformance counseling, touching that couldn’t reasonably be perceived in asexual way (such as touching someone on the elbow), counseling on militaryappearance, social interaction, showing concern, encouragement, a politecompliment, or friendly conversation.
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