Robert H. Rutford
Faculty Member and Former President
The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to the principle that
the learning and working environment of its students, employees, and
guests should be free from sexual harassment and inappropiate sexual
conduct. Inappropiate sexual conduct is unprofessional behavior and
is discouraged as a matter of institutional policy. Sexual harassment
is a form of sex discrimination that is illegal and is proscribed by
institutional policy. All employees and students are accountable for
compliance with U.T. Dallas policy. Established violations will lead to
disciplinary actions which may include termination of employment or
permanent explusion from the University.This policy applies to all adminstrators and supervisors, regular and temporary faculty members, teaching and research assistants, staff members and students. It pertains to actions that affect any employee, student or guest of U.T. Dallas.
2.Explicit or implicit propositions to engage in sexual activity
3.Comments of a sexual nature, including
5.Physical interference with or restriction of an individual's movements
However, a consensual sexual relationship between individuals who occupy different levels of authority in the institution automatically and inevitably carries the potential for evolving into a sexual harassment case of very serious implications, either from a subsequent change of attitude by the subordinate partner or from a contemporary complaint from a disadvantaged third party. Relationships of this sort are explicitly discouraged. It follows that consensual sexual relationships between faculty members and students in a school or program, or between adminstrators or supervisors and staff in an office or program are especially discouraged. They are proscribed in those instances in which the partner with higher status and/or power has explicit or implicit authority over, or the power to reward or punish, the partner with lower status and/or power.
Sexual harrassment is a violation of University policy. It is also prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. You have a right to an educational or work environment that is free of bias, intimidation, or hostility.
State your objections at the time.
Tell the harasser that his/her behavior is unwelcome. Your response could prevent future harassment from the person, especially if he or she did not realize the behavior was offensive.
Tell someone.
Talk to a trusted friend, colleague, teacher or counselor. Ask for advice and support to help stop the harassment.
Document incidences.
Keep records in a journal or record the facts on a tape recorder. Keep track of dates, places, times, witnesses and the nature of the harassment.
Write a letter
A letter to the harasser can be an effective way to communicate one's objections to certain behaviors. Such a letter should state: (a) the facts of the situation, (b) the effects the behavior has had on the harassee, and (c) that the harassee would like the behavior to stop.
Report the Problem.
We at U.T. Dallas urge you to report any problem you have with sexual harassment. The Responsible University Official, adminstratively neutral and knowledgeable, can be helpful if you need information or want to file an informal or formal complaint.
Informal proceedings are generally handled by the alleged offender's principal administrator, in consultation with the University's designated Responsible Official for Sexual Harassment matters, currently the Director of Personnel.
In cases in which both the complainant and the accused are students, the RUO will refer complaints to the Vice President for Administration and Student Affairs, or designee.
Formal proceedings will be initiated upon the submission to the RUO of a signed statement from the complainant. All such complaints will be investigated by the RUO or designee in cooperation with the appropriate line of adminstration.
Details of these grievance procedures may be obtained from the Personnel Office or any other adminstrative office. The University Policy on Sexual Harassment is included in the Faculty Handbook, the University's Adminstrative Policies and Procedures Manual, Volume IIA, Section D, and in Title V: Rules on Student Services and Activities, of the University's Handbook of Operating Procedures.
A faculty member, administrator, supervisor, or staff member may report an incident of sexual harassment to an immediate supervisor or to any other faculty member, supervisor or administrator with whom the complainant feels comfortable in discussing the matter.
For general information, reporting incidents, or consultation on grievance procedures you may contact
Human Resources Office
Mail Station AD35
883-2221
Office of the Dean of Students
Mail Station SU26
883-6391
Office of the Vice President for Administrative and Student Affairs
Mail Station AD31
883-2791
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action University
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