Policy:       Harassment, Sexual: General
Authority:   Executive Team
Contact:     Tracy Simms, (541) 463-5889                           simmst@lanecc.edu

Sexual discrimination in the form of sexual harassment is prohibited. Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal, written, visual, or physical sexual conduct that makes the terms or conditions of employment contingent on the acceptance of unwanted sexual advances, that negatively affects employment or educational opportunities, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for one of the parties.

Examples of harassing conduct include, but are not limited to:

Unwelcome sexual advances
Offensive sexual or gender based comments
Telling sexual jokes
Making sexual gestures
Displaying derogatory sexual visual material such as posters, graffiti, cartoons, and email
Subjecting someone to unwanted sexual attention
Attempting to coerce someone into a sexual relationship
Implying that sexual favors may be a basis for performance evaluation or for grades in a course

Lane has a zero tolerance policy regarding harassment. Any proven harassment will result in immediate and appropriate action to stop the harassment and prevent its recurrence, including employee discipline consistent with collective bargaining agreements, or student sanctions. This remedial action will be designed to stop the harassing behavior. If the alleged harassing behavior is not sufficiently severe or pervasive to be judged a violation of this policy, the college may nevertheless take appropriate action to address the complainant’s concerns and to ensure that Lane, as a workplace and an academic institution, maintains a respectful environment.

All levels of harassment, including student to student harassment, are covered by Lane’s harassment policies.

Findings of harassment will depend upon the context of the behavior and all relevant surrounding circumstances. Normally a persistent, pervasive pattern of unwelcome behavior must be present for conduct to be defined as hostile environment harassment, although one instance may constitute harassment if it is sufficiently severe or serious. Third parties may report incidents of harassment. All efforts will be made to provide a supportive environment for staff and students filing complaints.

Lane strictly prohibits retaliation against people who report incidents of harassment or who participate in investigations and/or proceedings related to sexual harassment complaints.

Consequences

If harassment is found to occur, the college will impose consequences and remedies appropriate to the situation. Examples of consequences and remedies for employees include but are not limited to:

Mediation
Education
Training
Verbal or written warnings
Verbal or written reprimands
Suspension with pay
Suspension without pay
Termination

The college may combine consequences as needed to correct and prevent harassment.

Consequences for students in violation of this policy will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and include:

Counseling, education & /or training
Written warnings
Probation for a specified period of time
Loss of privileges
Fines
Required restitution
Discretionary sanctions
Suspension from the college
Expulsion from the college

See also Board Policy D.020, as well as the Formal and Informal Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures.