Classroom Unit “Sexual Harassment”

Sexual Harassment Lesson Purpose: Define what sexual harassment is Learn the difference between sexual harassment and flirting Know the implications or what can happen to you for sexually harassing another person Learn what to do if someone is sexually harassing you

Sexual Harassment The Definition: Any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature --Equal Employment Opportunity Council

Sexual Harassment: Is a legal problem Concerns schools Gets worse when it is ignored or victim tries to suffer quietly/alone Should be talked about to create a healthy school environment Can be embarrassing to talk about Should never be tolerated

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9HVVVmVAM8

Verbal Sexual Harassment Examples: Calling girls names like doll, babe, or honey Whistling at someone, cat calls Making suggestive sexual comments about a person’s body, clothing or looks Telling sexual jokes, stories or teasing Asking sexual questions Repeatedly asking out a person who is not interested Making kissing sounds, howling, and smacking lips Telling lies or spreading rumors about a person’s sex life Written comments, notes, or letters of a sexual nature

Physical Examples of Sexual Harassment Inappropriate or unwanted touching, such as groping, pinching, grabbing of body parts Tearing or pulling at a person’s clothing, including snapping bras, pulling down pants, or flipping skirts Standing in someone’s way or standing too close in a way that makes the person feel uncomfortable Bumping into someone or brushing against the person on purpose in a way that makes the person uncomfortable. Unwanted Patting, hugging or kissing

Non-verbal Examples of Sexual Harassment Looking a person up and down Staring at someone Blocking a person’s path Following the person Giving personal gifts Displaying sexually suggestive visuals Making facial expressions such as winking, throwing kisses, or licking lips Making sexual gestures with hands or through body movements

Cyberbullying Many forms of cyber bullying may also be sex based harassment: Calling derogatory names like “slut” Spreading sexual rumors using social media or other electronic means Rating students sexual activity or performance electronically Sharing compromising photographs/videos(child pornography is a felony) DON’T DELETE EVIDENCE OF HARASSMENT!!!

Quid Pro Quo Latin and means “this for that” A person, namely someone in authority, offers to give you something or treat you better in exchange for sexual favors Likewise, the person will withhold something or treat you worse b/c you refuse a request for favors

Sexual Harassment vs. Flirting Unwanted Power motivated Illegal Wanted Equally motivated Legal

Sexual harassment vs. Flirting Makes the receiver feel: Bad Angry/Sad Demeaned Ugly powerless Makes the receiver feel: Good Happy Flattered Pretty/Attractive In control

Sexual Harassment vs. Flirting: Results in: Negative self esteem Is perceived as: One-sided Demeaning Invading degrading Results in: Positive self esteem Is perceived as: Reciprocal Flattering Open A compliment

It is against the Law Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Alabama Law Clarke County BOE Jackson High School The law is concerned with how the PERSON ON THE RECEIVING END IS AFFECTED BY THE BEHAVIOR, not with what the other person means by the behavior.

What Does That Mean? “It’s all In the eye of the beholder” To put it bluntly, even if you didn’t mean it, if it feels like sexual harassment to the other person, then that’s what the law will perceive it as.

Beyond the Walls of JHS College/Workplace Lose scholarship opportunities Be denied admissions Get fired A bad work record/reference for future employment Criminal Records You can be arrested A sexual offense is one of the most damaging things to have on your record Background check for future employment

What to do if it happens to you: Be firm with the harasser, let him/her know the behavior is unacceptable and should stop If they don’t stop or you are uncomfortable confronting: Document the behavior, if possible Talk to your parents Talk to a teacher, the counselor, the principal Any adult you feel comfortable with

Questions: So, if a girl says she is being sexually harassed and the boy says he is only joking around, what is it? Can boys be sexually harassed by girls? What should you do if you or someone you know is being sexually harassed?

Final Points Respect the boundaries of others when they say that you are making them uncomfortable Know your rights as an individual It is never your fault! Be the voice for others if you witness them being victimized It should never be tolerated!