The Cougar's Byte has revealed to you some major sections in The Guide students should know, such as the Alcohol and Drug policy, Academic Integrity, and Campus Safety. Now, let's tackle something everyone thinks they know about, but probably don't. On any co-ed campus you are bound to find mild flirtation between guys and girls. To some it is a bonus and is often harmless. But what happens when it isn't so harmless?We're talking about sexual harassment which the Guide covers on pgs 25-26. When it comes to sexual harassment there can be a gray area, due to the fact what some people see things as appropriate while others may not. It is important for students to comprehend what the university deems as sexual harassment, so they can make wise decisions.
Kean takes its safe environment very seriously, and behavior or language which makes students or faculty/staff feel uncomfortable is not acceptable. This can go from making sexual innuendos to inappropriate touching. According to www.aauw.org, two thirds of college students are sexually harassed at one point. Contrary to popular belief, men and women both get sexually harassed, but in different ways. Men often experience it in the form of homosexual jokes or references to them not being masculine enough. Anytime someone makes negative or offensive comments about another's sexual orientation, whether they are male or female, it is classified as sexual harassment.
Females experience sexual harassment in a more direct form. Women are more likely to be embarrassed about sexual harassment, or feel as though they somehow encouraged it to happen. It also makes sense that since more women are sexually harassed, men are usually the aggressors. There are various reasons why sexual harassment occurs. Some people are just not informed, others think it is funny, and many have gotten away with sexually offensive behavior in the past and continue the pattern.
Students should pay attention to what they say and do and make sure it is not seen as something else. It's okay to joke around with friends or play fight, but if someone feels uncomfortable about what you are doing you should stop. And what some see as appropriate will vary from person to person, but its better to listen. Sexual harassment is not something anyone wants attached to their reputation. All complaints of sexual harassment can be referred to the Affirmative Action Office in Townsend Hall, room 133.
While the University can do investigations regarding sexual harassment, sexual assault is considered a crime and will be dealt with on a judicial level. Since it is an act prohibited by state and federal laws, it will be taken seriously. Victims have rights according to the bill of rights, human dignity rights, campus judicial rights, legal rights, campus intervention rights and statutory mandates. Also, it's important to know the facts so you can defend yourself if someone wrongfully makes claims against you. If someone makes a claim against you that is not true, you have the right to defend their charges.
This concludes up the Cougar's Byte feature on The Guide. For a complete understanding of the Guide, you can visit www.kean.edu/publication/TheGuide2007.pdf or pick up a copy in the Office of Student Conduct located in UC 315.
