What is Sexual Harassment?
Simply put, sexual harassment is repeated unwanted attention of a sexual nature. Remarks may not be intended to harm, but if they have that effect, they constitute harassment. Sexual harassment creates an offensive, intimidating, or hostile learning or living environment. It may involve abuse of power or privilege. Sexual harassment may involve coercion or threat. It is important to recognize that any romantic or sexual relationship involving a person in a position of power or authority over others constitutes an abuse of power, and is, by definition, abusive. For this reason Calvin College prohibits romantic relationships between faculty members and students, between students and staff members in mentoring positions, and between employees when a supervisory relationship is involved.
Calvin College prohibits sexual harassment or abuse of any kind. Sexual harassment by any member of Calvin's faculty, staff or student body is an assault on personal dignity and a violation of federal and state law. Calvin affirms its commitment to maintaining an educational and working environment which is fair, respectful, and free from sexual harassment. No one at the college may retaliate against a person who makes a bona fide claim of sexual harassment.
The following guidance is adapted from materials provided by the Safe Church Ministry of the Christian Reformed Church.
To understand abuse, it's important to understand the dynamic of power and control at its heart. Abuse occurs when one person controls another in a way that diminishes and can eventually destroy the other's sense of self. In addition to more blatant sexual and physical abuse, emotionally abusive behaviors such as coercion, intimidation, threats, isolation, and blaming can be equally devastating. A person who is abused begins to feel increasingly powerless and consequently feels more dependent on the person who abuses. This then gives the abusive person an even greater sense of power. This behavior can become a vicious cycle, a trap that holds captive those who become entangled. In this context mutual consent is impossible.
In marriage, two people are called to become one flesh and reflect the relationship between Christ and his bride, the church for which he laid down his life. Abusive behavior, in contrast, uses power over others for selfish gain. Leaders in a church or Christian institution hold a position of power and trust towards those they serve - whether that be students, staff, or members of a congregation. Abusive behavior by Christian leaders reveals a misuse of the power and position entrusted to them. Patterns of destructive behavior may seem harmless at first but can escalate into more serious emotional, physical or sexual abuse, causing great harm. It is always the responsibility of leaders in Christian institutions to maintain healthy boundaries in all of their relationships. When sexual boundaries are crossed by a pastor, professor, teacher, coach, or other leader it's not an affair, it is abuse.
Two types of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can be verbal (comments about a person's body, spreading sexual rumors, sexual remarks or accusations, dirty jokes or stories), physical (grabbing, rubbing, flashing or mooning, touching, pinching in a sexual way, sexual assault) or visual (display of naked pictures or sex-related objects, obscene gestures). Sexual harassment can happen to women and men.
There are two types of Sexual Harassment:
- Quid pro quo (Latin for "this for that")
For example, it is sexual harassment when a teacher or school employee offers a student a better grade or preferential treatment in return for sexual favors or if a teacher threatens to lower a grade if sexual contact is refused. - Hostile environment
Sexual harassment also occurs when sexual touching or comments create an environment where people feel uncomfortable and unsafe, or are prevented from participating in or benefiting from a program or activity. This type of harassment does not have to involve a threat or promise of benefit in exchange for a sexual favor.
In addition, any romantic or sexual relationships between people in positions of power or authority over others constitute an abuse of power and are, by definition, abusive. For this reason, Calvin College prohibits romantic relationships between faculty members and students, between students and staff members in mentoring positions, and between employees when a supervisory relationship is involved.
What to do
If you have experienced sexual harassment or abuses of power at Calvin, or suspect that someone you know might be involved in a situation of harassment or abuse, call the I Will Report It designated message line at 616-526-IWRI (616-526-4974). The line is available for students, faculty, and staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.
Links:
» Calvin's Policy on Discrimination and Harassment
» Student Handbook [PDF] - Sexual Harassment (see: pg. 8)
