Students are confused about sexual harassment restrictions in schools. Sexual harassment should be viewed as a civil rights violation or a form of social injustice. A whole-school approach demands that teachers plan for teachable moments through the curriculum, all staff receive adequate inservice training, and compassionate responses (referrals…

The authors debate whether institutions of higher learning should impose regulations or speech codes to ban sexually harassive speech believed to foster gender-based discrimination. Masters insists that narrowly crafted controls are necessary to make colleges and universities inviting to all. Dagley argues that speech codes are improper because…

Considers how recent court rulings have made incidents of sexual harassment more worrisome for professors, particularly those who coach students in forensics (individual speaking events and intercollegiate debate extra-curricular activities). Finds that sexual harassment is widespread in forensics, that women are harassed more than men, and that…

Preliminary results of ongoing reviews of student treatment at the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy show the following: (1) hazing has not completely disappeared from the academies, despite prohibitions against it; (2) women and minorities have not reached the same level of achievement as white males in…

Two federal appellate courts heard cases with similar fact patterns and the same issue--are school districts liable for student-caused sexually hostile environments under Title IX? Since the courts reached different conclusions, this issue seems ripe for consideration by the Supreme Court. No student should have to run a gauntlet of abuse to…

A "boilerplate" sexual harassment policy embedded in the district policy manual is insufficient. Schools need a comprehensive sexual harassment prevention program addressing authority, accountability, responsibility, and training. Since the vast majority of sexual harassment in schools is student-to-student, training efforts should not be limited…

Increased willingness to speak out about sexual harassment has several implications for the academic community. Faculty must behave carefully at all times, understand the risk of having a relationship with a student, and avoid sexual overtures. Recent court decisions offer some guidelines for conduct and for determination if harassment exists.…

It is suggested that college teachers are in a position of substantial power with students because of the nature of their work, and that the traditional taboo on sexual relationships with students has less to do with morality than with the effectiveness of teaching and the mentor relationship. (MSE)

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that public schools may be sued for failing to confront students who harass their classmates. This article explains the ruling, defines three levels of peer harassment, and outlines guidelines for school officials. Swift investigations and legally defensible policies and procedures are essential. (MLH)

Recent research documents the problem of sexual violence across communities, often finding its causes to be embedded in community and cultural norms, thus demonstrating the need for community-focused solutions. In this article we synthesize research from community psychology on community change and prevention with more individually focused studies…

Presents results of an evaluation of a training workshop on sexual harassment for counselors at the University of Michigan. Reviews literature on harassment at American universities. Reports that the workshop had a significant effect in changing the attitudes of participants (especially men). (KH)

This book presents a look at the "big picture." Is sexual harassment common? What kinds of behaviors are taking place? Who is being harassed, and who is doing the harassing? For students who admit to harassing others, why do they do it? How does sexual harassment affect students' educational experience? What do students think should be done about…

In a 5-day campus visit, a consultant explored the leadership role the College of Education can play in helping the Pennsylvania State University embrace sexual diversity, enhance curricular offerings, promote research and scholarship, and provide outreach services to various constituencies through various media. The visit included interviews with…

The U.S. Supreme Court, in its June 1998 "Gebser" decision, held that school districts cannot be sued for damages under Title IX unless a school official knows about a teacher's sexual abuse of a student and fails to stop it. However, districts must comply with Title IX requirements and follow appropriate guidelines. (MLH)

This paper, based on the perspectives of young men, explores the relationship between dominant constructions of masculinities and the sexual harassment of young women in Australian secondary schools, within a feminist poststructuralist theoretical framework. Of particular importance in this process are the ways in which sexual harassment is…