What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is of two types, both of which are forms of illegal discrimination:

• Quid pro quo: ( Latin for "this for that", "something for something") A more powerful person (a boss or a professor) tells a less powerful person (an employee or a student), "I'll give you a good grade/a good performance evaluation if you let me kiss you." Or the more powerful person makes a threat, "I'll fail you/fire you unless you go out with me."

• Hostile Environment : The perpetrator creates a sexualized environment in which the victim does not function well, is afraid, or is uncomfortable. This can be done, for example, by continually remarking on someone's body or clothing, by posting sexually explicit photos, or by making sexually oriented comments. A peer, a superior, or a subordinate can create a hostile environment.