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Sexual Violence and Relationship Violence

What is Harassment?

Harassment is a broad term that is used to describe many different behaviors. Harassment at HWS can be defined as: abuse, threats, intimidation, assault, coercion and/or conduct, by physical, verbal, signed, written, photographic or electronic means, which threatens or endangers any person on HWS premises or at Institute sponsored or supervised functions.

The following comes from the Colleges' Handbook on Community Standards. For full text, click here.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND ASSAULT (HARASSMENT)
One of the goals of the Colleges is to provide an environment in which all members are treated and treat others respectfully. Students, both on and off campus, should refrain from disorderly conduct, which includes any actions that are obscene, disruptive, or which unreasonably disturb others. Abusive language to faculty, staff and other employees may result in a required withdrawal.

The Colleges do not allow any member of the community to engage in behavior that endangers the safety or well-being of others or themselves. Any use or threat of use of violence, either verbal or physical, against self or others, is strictly prohibited, and will be categorized as harassment.

If any student is assaulted or threatened, he or she should report the incident to Campus Safety and/or Vice President for Student Affairs or designee. The student will have recourse to mediation and/or formal grievance procedures of the Colleges through the Committee on Standards. Sanctions against any student found guilty of either disorderly conduct or assault will range from a letter of reprimand to permanent separation.

What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is any unwanted and unwelcomed verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature.

The unwanted behavior can include:

  • Visual harassment: having to view posters, magazines, calendars or other obscene materials;
  • Verbal harassment or abuse: repeated requests for dates, lewd comments, rumoring, sexually explicit jokes or whistling;
  • Written Harassment: “Love poems,” letters, graffiti;
  • Offensive gestures;
  • Subtle pressure for sexual activities;
  • Unnecessary touching, patting, pinching or kissing;
  • Leering or ogling;
  • Brushing up against another's body;
  • Promise of promotions or favorable performance evaluations or grades in return for sexual favors;
  • Demanding sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats to a person's job, promotion, performance evaluation or grade.

For more information and help, click here.