Calvin Harrassment Awareness & Prevention Training

Harrassment (according to Calvin College Student Code of Conduct) is...severe or repeated unwelcome sexual advances or verbal comments of a sexual nature or verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his/her legally protected characteristic, or other personal characteristic which is covered by this policy.

Harassment includes... Unwelcome conduct or language which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment, including epithets, slurs or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating, derogatory, or hostile acts; denigrating jokes; written or graphic material that degrades or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group. It also includes interfering with or blocking a person's legitimate movement or access in the classroom or workplace, the use of profanity to convey hostility toward others and pranks or horseplay intended to embarrass or humiliate others

Please mark "agree" if you think the following describe the term "unwelcome" within Calvin's definition of harrassment:  recipient did not ask for it; recipient did not consent to it; recipient did not initiate it; when the victim complains, it's unwelcome; blatant and crude advances deemed to be inherently offensive.

To what extent do you think Calvin students "go along to get along" when inappropriate comments are being made?

Many harassment situations are a miscommunication between people. If someone does not intend harm with comments or actions they will not be held responsible for harassment. Harassment claims stem from people being too sensitive and not being able to joke around.

To what extent do you think a person's intent matters when it comes to harassment?

Talking about sex or telling "dirty" jokes may be considered conduct that creates a hostile environment.

Commenting on someone's physical attributes may be conduct that creates a hostile environment.

Telling jokes related to someone's sexual identity or ethnicity

Displaying sexually graphic or suggestive pictures may be conduct that creates a hostile environment.

Over half of college men surveyed by the AAUW (association of american university women)said they have sexually harassed someone.

Which of the following statements do you think are most likely to occur on a college campus? Why? talking about sex; telling "dirty" jokes; telling jokes related to sexual identity or ethnicity; displaying sexually graphic or suggestive pictures; engaging in physically intimidating conduct like blocking someone's path.

In an analysis of prime time television programs, __% of the shows studied contained at least one incident of harassment or sexually offensive behavior where the behavior was not labeled as harassment.

In a study of 2000 female college students __% reported experiencing inappropriate sexual comments, gestures, and looks; 83% were touched, grabbed or pinched; 40% reported these incident occurred daily at school.

As a staff member, you have an opportunity to advocate for students who may not feel comfortable advocating for themselves. In what ways do you think you can prevent harassment at Calvin?