Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

• Submission to or enduring such conduct when rejected is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of instruction, employment, or participation in other university activities or
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for evaluation in making academic or personnel decisions affecting an individual or
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive university environment

Sexual harassment, sexual violence and other forms of sex discrimination are prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and New York State Human Rights Law. This university definition of sexual harassment is based on Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Office of Civil Rights (OCR) regulations. Employees who observe or become aware of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sex discrimination or harassment should report this information to the Director of EDI, who also serves as the university’s Title IX Coordinator.

If you are experiencing behavior that is causing you to be uncomfortable at work, in class or anywhere on campus, it is important that you contact us at (716) 645-2266 to explore your options.  You may call anonymously if you are more comfortable doing so.

UB's Faculty Code of Conduct and Consensual Relationships Policy prohibit sexual relationships between supervisors and subordinates, and between faculty members and students whom they have, or could reasonably anticipate to have, academic responsibility (instructional, evaluative, supervisory).  In the event of a pre-existing relationship, it is required that the supervisor or faculty member disclose the relationship to the department chair or other appropriate administrator, who will make alternative arrangements for evaluation and if possible, instruction and supervision.