Answer: There are many courses of action that a student can take in response to a sexual harassment experience. They include seeking advice, informally requesting third-party intervention, or filing a formal complaint. For example, students can do one or more of the following:
- Tell the harasser in person or by letter (in a manner or at a time when it is reasonably certain that such action will not jeopardize the student’s personal safety, academic status or professional future) that the behavior is neither humorous nor welcome and should cease immediately.
- Keep a written record, documenting, as precisely as possible, what happened, when it took place, the names of witnesses, if any, the student’s response, and any other information that may be helpful later.
- Seek advice on how to deal with the situation from a supportive and knowledgeable person.
- Find out what the campus grievance process is and discuss the options with an advisor and/or university representative.
- File an informal or formal complaint with the institution.