John Jay College Of Criminal Justice | The City University of New York

The College forbids sexual harassment as defined in the University’s sexual harassment policy and by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (See the CUNY Policy Against Sexual Harassment). Violation of this policy can result in a range of disciplinary sanctions. Prompt investigation of allegations will be made in accordance with the procedures outlined in the University’s policy on as confidential manner as possible to ascertain the veracity of the complaints and to protect both the complainant and the accused. The complete University’s Policy is available on the John Jay Web Site under the sub captions Public Safety, Human Resources, and Student Affairs.

Sexual harassment occurs whenever unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other oral or written communication or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individuals employment or academic standing;
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individual; or
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or abusive work or academic environment.

There are generally two types of sexual harassment:

1. “Quid Pro Quo” meaning “this for that”. This type occurs when a person in a position of power pressures another person to meet his or her sexual demands. For example, a professor insists on sex in return for a higher grade or a supervisor implies that your job security will be based on your submission to sexual demands. The threat need not be stated but can be implied by the mere existence of the power structure.
2. “Hostile Environment” occurs when repeated offensive behavior or comments create an unpleasant or intimidating environment and unreasonably interferes with someone receiving an education or earning a living. This is the most common kind of harassment. A sexually hostile environment may be created by:
   • Discussing sexual activities or telling off-color jokes.
   • Unnecessary touching.
   • Commenting on physical attributes.
   • Displaying sexually suggestive pictures.
   • Using demeaning or inappropriate terms such as “Babe”.
   • Using indecent gestures.
   • Using crude or offensive language.

Sexual harassment is an illegal form of discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. It affects relationships between students, between students and faculty, as well as employees and administrators. Repeated or outrageous sexual harassment may cause serious problems. The victim feels angry, afraid, embarrassed, degraded and intimidated. It can cause depression and trauma similar to that caused by sexual assault.

If you feel that you are a victim don’t ignore it. Tell the harasser to stop, keep notes and copies of your academic or employment records and follow the grievance procedures prescribed by the College.

It is the policy of John Jay College and the City University of New York to prohibit harassment of employees or students on the basis of sex. Prompt investigation of allegations will be made with confidentiality maintained to the maximum extent possible to ascertain the veracity of the complaints and appropriate corrective action to be taken. There are formal and informal remedies if a person feels he or she is being sexually harassed. Any person found responsible for sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action by the College and may be subject to action by civil authorities. A member of the college community who has taken action against someone for reporting incidents will be subject to disciplinary action. Any person making a false allegation will likewise be disciplined.

Several staff members are available to answer questions and to give advice concerning informal complaints and the formal grievance procedure concerning allegations of any sexual harassment or assaults. Information and advice may be requested anonymously. Inquiries may be informal and are always kept confidential. To seek assistance in cases of sexual harassment or sexual assault call:

The Title IX Coordinator and Sexual Harassment Panel Coordinator
(212) 237-8122
The Director of Human Resources
(212) 237-8512
The Director of the Department of Public Safety
(212) 237-8524

These administrators will help you directly as well as offer to you the services of professional college counselors.