REPORTING AN INCIDENT INVOLVING SEXUAL HARASSMENT

yellow, and green. Behavior may be divided into three zones. · Red on the traffic light means stop; behavior in the red zone means don’t do it—it’s sexual harassment. · Yellow on the traffic light means use caution; behavior zone may be sexual harassment. · Green on the traffic light means go. Behavior in the green zone means it’s acceptable—it’s not sexual harassment. Just as with a traffic light, if in the yellow zone long enough, the light will turn red. If yellow zone behavior is repeated enough, especially after having been told it is unwelcome, it becomes red zone behavior—sexual harassment. The following show these three types of behavior, but they are certainly not all-inclusive: NOTE Remember that the above examples are only guides. Individuals who believe they are being sexually harassed base their belief on their perceptions. Also, each incident is judged on all the facts in that particular case, and that individual’s judgment may vary on the same facts. Therefore, use caution. Any time sexual behavior is introduced into the work environment or among coworkers, the individuals involved are on notice that the behavior may constitute sexual harassment. REPORTING AN INCIDENT INVOLVING SEXUAL HARASSMENT Individuals who believe they have been sexually harassed have ways to seek resolution and redress (remedy). Check with your CMEO officer for the avenues available to you. All reported incidents of sexual harassment are investigated and resolved at the lowest appropriate level. All incidents are resolved promptly and with sensitivity. Confidentiality will be maintained to every extent possible. If you believe that you have been sexually harassed, talk about your concerns or objections directly with the person who is behaving in a harassing way. If you are subjected to or observe objectionable behavior, you should promptly notify the chain of command if one of the following conditions exists: · The objectionable behavior does not stop, · The situation is not resolved, 1-21 Student Notes: Red zone. These behaviors are always considered sexual harassment. They include sexual favors in return for employment rewards, threats if sexual favors aren’t provided, sexually explicit pictures (including calendars or posters) or remarks, using status to request dates, or obscene letters or comments. The most severe forms of sexual harassment constitute criminal conduct; that is, sexual assault (ranging from forcefully grabbing to fondling, forced kissing, or rape). Yellow zone. Many people would find these behaviors unacceptable, and they could be sexual harassment. These behaviors include violating personal “space,” whistling, questions about personal life, lewd or sexually suggestive comments, suggestive posters or calendars, off-color jokes, leering, staring, repeated requests for dates, foul language, unwanted letters or poems, sexually suggestive touching, or sitting or gesturing sexually. Green zone. These behaviors are not sexual harassment. They include performance counseling, touching that couldn’t reasonably be perceived in a sexual way (such as touching someone on the elbow), counseling on military appearance, social interaction, showing concern, encouragement, a polite compliment, or friendly conversation.