Sexual Harassment Policy

The policy of LSU Health Sciences Center always has been that all our employees should be able to enjoy a work environment free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is a form of misconduct which undermines the integrity of the employment relationship. No employee, wither male or female, should be subject to unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures or conduct, either verbal or physical.

Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature. It refers to behavior which is not welcome, which therefore interferes with our work effectiveness.

Such conduct, whether committed by supervisors or non-supervisory personnel, is specifically prohibited. This includes repeated offensive sexual flirtations, advances or propositions, graphic or degrading verbal comments about an individual of his her appearance, the display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures or any offensive or abusive physical conduct.

Accusations of sexual harassment which are found to be valid may subject the individual(s) involved to severe disciplinary action or termination of employment.

In addition, no one should imply or threaten that an applicant's or employee's "cooperation" of a sexual nature (or refusal thereof) will have any effect on the individuals employment, assignment, compensation, advancement, career development or any other condition of employment.

Any questions regarding either this policy or a specific fact situation should be addressed to the appropriate supervisor, Director of Human Resource Management, or Labor Relations Manager (504) 568-8742.

Recognizing and Preventing Sexual Harassment

How to Recognize and Prevent SEXUAL HARASSMENT in the Workplace

Sexual harassment affects everyone!

Employees may lose

dignity, health, and peace of mind
promotions
even their jobs

Supervisors may lose

respect
department teamwork
their jobs
financially (from litigation)

Employers may lose

productivity
teamwork and trust
talented employees
financially (from litigation)

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination, according to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) and is illegal, according to the 1980 guidelines of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Unwelcome sexual conduct or attention is sexual harassment if:

Your job depends on your response...

For example: A person is threatened with termination, blocking promotion, denial of merit increase or unsatisfactory performance evaluation if he/she does not go along with sexual advances. Or... a person is rewarded through hiring or promotion if a person does go along with sexual advances.

Your work performance is affected by a hostile or offensive working environment...

For example: A person pressures someone for dates... makes offensive remarks about a person's looks, clothes, etc... touches someone in a way that makes him/her uncomfortable or threatened... is subjected to offensive language, jokes, teasing, gestures, sexual pictures, calendars, or objects.

Sexual Harassment depends on how the person being harassed is affected, not on the harasser's intent. In court, the standard is what a reasonable person would think is "out of bounds" or interferes with work. There's no excuse for sexual harassment!

Help Prevent Sexual Harassment

Here's how you can help prevent Sexual Harassment in the workplace-

Know LSUHSC's policy on sexual harassment
Consider your attitudes about sexual harassment...how would you feel if you, a relative, or a friend were harassed?
Set a positive example by treating everyone with respect. Let others know you expect the same of them.
Talk with co-workers about sexual harassment. For example, discuss the differences between mutual flirting and unwelcome sexual attention.
Avoid making assumptions that "jokes", "friendly gestures", etc. are harmless or inoffensive. Quite often, they are not viewed that way.
Do not go along with the crowd or accept behavior that may be offensive. Make your feelings know. Ask that the offensive behavior be stopped.
Think before making personal comments or asking personal questions. Could they make the other person feel uncomfortable?
Be supportive of people who are being sexually harassed. Remind them that sexual harassment is never the victim's fault. Encourage them to take action. Offer to be a witness.

Things to Do if You are Being Sexually Harassed

Confront the harasser

Clearly state that the behavior offends you and that you want it to stop. If you cannot confront the harasser in person, write him/her a letter, stating:

the offensive behavior
when and where it occurred
why you object to it
that you want it to stop
how you expect to be treated in the future

Talk to your supervisor if the harassment does not stop

If you have confronted the harasser and the harassment does not stop, talk to your supervisor.

bring a record of the incident(s) and who witnessed it.
talk to your supervisor's boss or the Employee/Labor Relations Manager of Human Resource Management if your supervisor is the harasser.