Sexual Harassment

Pace University reaffirms the principle that its students, faculty, interns and staff shall be free from discrimination on the basis of sex. Sexual offenses such as rape, sexual abuse, or discrimination in the form of sexual harassment, will not be tolerated.

Sexual harassment in any situation is reprehensible. It is particularly damaging when it exploits the educational or professional dependence and trust between individuals with different levels of authority. When the authority and power inherent in such relationships are abused, whether overtly, implicitly, or mistakenly, there is potentially great damage to the individual, the alleged offender, and to the educational and professional climate of the University.

Sexual harassment is defined under University policy as an attempt to coerce an unwilling person into a sexual relationship, to subject a person to unwanted sexual attention, or to punish a refusal to comply or to create a sexually intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment. Sexual harassment includes a wide range of behaviors, from the actual coercion of sexual relations to the unwelcome emphasizing of sexual identity, verbal harassment or abuse, unwelcome sexual advances, and unnecessary touching. This definition will be interpreted and applied in a manner that is consistent with accepted standards of mature behavior, academic freedom, and freedom of expression.

Members of the University community who believe that they have been sexually assaulted or harassed may obtain redress through the established informal and/or formal procedures set forth in the University Discrimination Grievance Procedure. All complaints will be addressed promptly and equitably. The informal channels are designed to provide counseling and an evaluation of options, all of which are completely confidential and off the record. The formal procedures address cases in which a charge has been written and signed, and can result in an investigation.