Sexual Harassment
Bradley University reaffirms the principle that its students, faculty, and staff have a right to be free from sexual harassment by any member of the University community. Bradley University does not tolerate harassment in the enlightened society in which it operates, and will commit its efforts to educate its students and staff that the understanding of and sensitivity to these issues are paramount in the world both inside and outside the University.
Sexual harassment in any situation is inexcusable, but even more reprehensible when it influences decisions impacting the student’s academic status or career goals, or when they exploit the educational dependence and trust between student and faculty.
Bradley University is in compliance with the US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, requirements in Title IX. Jocelyn Watkins serves as the University’s Title IX Coordinator.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is defined as an attempt to coerce an unwilling person into a sexual relationship, to subject a person to unwanted sexual attention, to punish a refusal to comply, or to create a sexually intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment. Sexual harassment is understood to include a wide range of behaviors from the actual coercing of sexual relations to the unwelcomed emphasizing of sexual identity.
Sexual Harassment in Higher Education is Illegal
The Illinois Human Rights Act (“Act”) prohibits sexual harassment in institutions of higher education. The Act specifically prohibits unwelcome advances or conduct of a sexual nature, and requests for sexual favors of students by an executive, faculty or staff member.
Examples of Sexual Harassment in Higher Education
- A professor who continually makes jokes of a sexual nature in the classroom.
- An advisor who tells a student he or she might be able to get into a class if the student dates the advisor.
- An admissions representative who tells a prospective student they will put in a “good word” for the prospective student if he or she dates the representative.
- A financial aid advisor who tells a student that “if you have sex with me, I can look out for scholarships for you.”
Protection Against Retaliation:
- Opposing sexual harassment
- For participating in an investigation (internal or external) of sexual harassment; or
- For filing a charge
Any charge alleging sexual harassment in higher education must be filed within 180 days of alleged incident(s). Complaint forms are available on the Department of Human Rights website at: www.state.il.us/dhr
It’s Never Okay
If sexual conduct is criminal in nature, contact Bradley University Police, (309) 677-2000 or 911 immediately. Any student who believes they are being subjected to sexual harassment or retaliated against should report it immediately to Bradley University, Jocelyn Watkins (Title IX Coordinator) at (309) 677-2081, Crystal Elliott (Director of Human Resources/Deputy Title IX Coordinator) at (309) 677-3223, Anne Hollis (Director, Center or Student Support Services/Deputy Title IX Coordinator) at (309) 677-3658 or to the Department of Human Rights at (217) 785-5100.