Sexual Harassment

• What is sexual harassment?
• Who should you tell?
• If someone tells you he or she has been sexually harassed, what should you do?
• Types of harassment
• Sexual Harassment Administrative Announcement (pdf)

The University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Sexual Harassment Policy is: Sexual harassment is sex discrimination and, therefore, a violation of federal and state law.  It is the policy of the University of Massachusetts Lowell that no member of the University community may sexually harass another.  For purposes of this policy and consistent with federal regulations, sexual harassment is defined as follows:

Sexual Harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

In addition, it is unlawful to retaliate against any person who brings a complaint  of sexual harassment.  For example, even if, after an investigation, it is found that a person's claim of sexual harassment is not substantiated, it is improper and unlawful to take any action to "get even" with the complaining party, whether through his or her employment or academic status, or by any threats, or by any other means.

As part of the sanctions against sexual harassment, the University of Massachusetts Lowell expressly prohibits individuals from taking any retaliatory action against individuals who have complained about sexual harassment and/or individuals who have cooperated with an investigation of a complaint of sexual harassment.  These activities, if substantiated, will be subject to discipline up to and including termination.

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Employees:  A supervisor, a vice chancellor, the provost, a dean, a friend, a co-worker, a counselor, ombudsperson, or the Equal Opportunity and Outreach associate assigned to your department.

Students:  A parent, a significant other, a professor, a resident advisor, a counselor, a dean, the dean of students, ombudsperson, or the Equal Opportunity and Outreach associate assigned to your department.

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If you are an employee, friend, co-worker, parent, significant other, etc. you should tell your supervisor, dean, the dean of students, ombudsperson, or the Equal Opportunity and Outreach associate assigned to your department.

If you are a dean or supervisor you should tell your direct report, the provost, or the Equal Opportunity and Outreach associate assigned to your department.

You may contact the following to file a formal complaint at any time:

1. The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)  
    John F. Kennedy Federal Building
    Boston, MA  02203 
    (800) 669-4000

    TTY: (800) 669-6820

2. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)
    One Ashburton Place

    Sixth Floor, Room 601
    Boston, MA  02108
    (617) 994-6000

    TTY: (617) 994-6196

3. Office for Civil Rights

    Boston Office

    U.S. Department of Education

    33 Arch Street, Suite 900

    Boston, MA  02110-1491

    (617) 289-0111

    TDD: (877) 521-2172