Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In the educational context, sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that interferes with a student’s ability to learn, study, work or participate in school activities. In the employment context, it is unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that interferes with an employees work performance or creates a hostile or intimidating work environment. Sexual assault and rape are the most severe physical forms of sexual harassment.
Unfortunately, sexual harassment is widespread on America’s campuses. While both male and female members of the college community can be the target of sexual harassment, women are disproportionately negatively affected. For example, according to recent research conducted by the AAUW Educational Foundation approximately 68 percent of female students who have experienced sexual harassment say they have felt somewhat or very upset about the incidents compared to 35 percent of male students. Female students are also more likely to experience physically aggressive sexual harassment such as grabbing. These violations undermine women's opportunities for educational and professional achievement as well as affect their personal lives.
A significant part of the mission of the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund is to raise awareness of the issues facing women in higher education. Unfortunately, sexual harassment remains a persistent problem for women on campus. LAF strives to bring the issue to the forefront of campus discussions and activism. With an increased understanding of sexual harassment as well as the implementation of laws, policies, and practices to address and remedy the problem, LAF hopes to see a reduction in the prevalence of these incidences.
The first step in changing an environment is to get the facts. The Legal Advocacy Fund offers the following resources:
- Sexual Harassment Statistics
Details on the prevalence of sexual harassment as well as information on the negative impact of sexual harassment on female students in their academic lives. - Overview of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Title IX prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in federally funded education programs. - Overview of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VII protects employees on college campuses from discriminatory acts based on sex, including sexual harassment. - Strategies for Students
Learn how students around the country have developed programs to prevent and address sexual harassment on their campuses through AAUW's Campus Action Projects. - Resources
A directory of organizations and publications that offer more information and contacts on sexual harassment. - How LAF Can Help
Read about current LAF-supported cases , learn what LAF does to support women on campus, and obtain additional LAF tools and resources.
Still need help? If you have any questions, would like to learn more, or would like to make a contribution to LAF, send an e-mail laf@aauw.org or call 202/785-7750.
