Sexual Harassment

As an institute of higher learning committed to providing the most constructive atmosphere possible for academic and personal advancement, Nichols College is particularly concerned about the conduct commonly described as sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unlawful and will not be tolerated by the College. Further, we will act promptly to eliminate the harassment and impose such corrective action as necessary, including disciplinary action if appropriate. There are two kinds of sexual harassment. The first is "quid pro quo harassment" where a person, (in this case a student) is threatened with some action (e.g. a bad grade, a change in grade) in exchange for sexual favors.

It usually comes from a person in a position to control, influence or affect another person's job, grades or education. Conduct that would be considered sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and visible or physical conduct of a sexual nature such as lewd comments or inappropriate touching. The second type of sexual harassment is "hostile environment" harassment. Here there can be harassment even if the offender is not an authority figure (i.e. a peer or third party). A hostile environment occurs when sexual advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student's academic life and/or performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive environment.

Some examples may be displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures or cartoons; inquiries into one's sexual experiences; discussions of one's sexual activities; and/or any unwelcome sexual gesture or comment. Informal mechanisms for resolving sexual harassment complaints may be used when the parties agree to do so. Such mechanisms may include addressing the issue directly with the harasser. If the outcome is not satisfactory the student may end the informal process at any time and begin the formal stage of the complaint resolution process. Because Nichols College will not tolerate sexual harassment and because the College feels students must be able to report it without fear of adverse consequences, we have adopted the following policy in which to file a complaint:

1. Complaints can be made orally or in writing.
2. Complaints will be investigated in a deliberate, fair and expeditious manner by an impartial investigator.
3. The investigation will include a private interview with the person(s) filing the complaint and with all witnesses.
4. The alleged harasser will also be interviewed.
5. The College will act promptly to eliminate the offending conduct if the investigation shows that sexual harassment did occur and will take appropriate steps to resolve the situation.
6. Where it is appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken.
7. At the completion of the investigation, the complainant will be informed of the results of the said investigation.

• Patricia C. Allen, Director of Residence Life & Judicial Affairs, (ext. 2483)
• Cheryl Duval, Director of Health Services, (ext.2238)
• Sue Tellier, Vice President for Administration, (ext. 2285)
• Rick Woods, Human Resources Coordinator, (ext. 2111)

All complaints and/or investigations will be kept confidential. Further, any retaliation against a complaint or anyone cooperating with an investigation of a sexual harassment complaint is similarly unlawful and will not be tolerated; the College will take strong responsive steps if it occurs.