Sexual Harrassment

Sexual harassment is an illegal and unlawful violation.

Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center are committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the principles of creative thinking and free expression in which students, faculty and staff can work and study together in an atmosphere conducive to learning.

Texas Tech considers sexual harassment, in all its forms, to be a serious offense affecting the university generally and one that is subject to a range of actions up to, and including, dismissal or suspension. Texas Tech does not condone behavior that is likely to undermine the dignity, self-esteem or productivity of any student, faculty or staff member and supports the prevention of such behavior.

Sexual harassment is a violation of University Policy (O.P. 73.02) and the Code of Student Conduct on both Texas Tech campuses. It also is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Sexual harassment complaints must be reported within 180 days after the incident occurs.

Sexual harassment will not be tolerated.

Sexual harassment can occur between any two individuals regardless of gender, position or title. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, unwelcome, repeated or pervasive:

Verbal Comments

Sexual teasing, jokes, remarks or questions
Referring to an adult as ‘girl,' ‘boy,' ‘honey,' etc.
Sexual innuendoes or stories
Pressure for dates or sexual favors
Letters, telephone calls or materials of a sexual nature

Nonverbal Actions

Sexually explicit visual materials (calendars, cards, software, posters)
Sexual looks or gestures
Catcalls or whistling in a demeaning manner with sexual overtones

Physical Actions

Blocking someone's path with the purpose of making a sexual advance
Unwelcome physical contact (touching, patting, stroking, rubbing)

What you should do if you are being sexually harassed:

Say "NO." Tell the harasser firmly, clearly and directly that his or her comments or advances are unwelcome. Don't think harassment will go away if you ignore it and don't think it is your fault.

Keep a Record. Keep a record of all dates, times, places and the types of incidents that have occurred and make a note of any witnesses. This information can be used to support a complaint. Be accurate and thorough. This is important.

File a Complaint. Students should report sexual harassment incidents to the Texas Tech University Ombudsman's Office, Center for Campus Life, the TTUHSC Student Services Office or the Dean's Office in each college and in the Law School.

Consensual Sexual Relationships

Consensual sexual relationships between faculty and student, or between supervisor and employee, while not expressly prohibited, are generally deemed very unwise. Codes of ethics for most professional associations forbid professional-client sexual relationships. In the educational setting, the professor-student relationship is one of professional and client.

Consensual sexual relationships between a staff member and a student are discouraged whether or not the staff member has authority or control over the student.

Resources

For general information, consultations or a list of persons available to answer questions about sexual harassment and/or grievance procedures, please contact:

University Student Housing: Sean P. Duggan, (806) 742-2661 or D'aun Green, (806) 742-2661, both at the Wiggins Complex at 3211 18th Street.

Dean of Students: Dr. Amy Murphy, 201 Student Union, (806) 742-2984.

Student Resolution Center: 232 E Student Union, (806) 742-7233.