Skip to Content

The University of Texas at Austin

Sexual Harassment

The University of Texas at Austin has made a commitment to provide an environment conducive to scholarship and research. This includes protection from sexual harassment and providing resources to deal with violations of it. All students should understand their rights and responsibilities in the event should they feel the boundaries of appropriate behavior are being crossed.

Sexual harassment is gender discrimination that involves the imposition of an unwanted condition or requirement on the continued employment or education of the victim. This can exist in two forms, quid pro quo and hostile environment harassment.

This student is meeting with her professor in order to improve her grade. During an office visit, she is surprised when what she thought was a consultation turns into a sexual proposal. She is given the impression that her grade hinges on her answer. This is Quid pro quo harassment. It exists when a direct supervisor of employees or students makes unwanted sexual advances. The student is given the impression that the submission or rejection of this attention will directly affect their continue employment and/or education.

This graduate students works in an office with four other students. One of his fellow students' flirtations has become more aggressive and persistent. He refuses to play along but she ignores his discomfort. He starts to avoid coming to the office and his work is affected. This is Hostile environment harassment. It exists when persistent and persuasive conduct of a sexual nature has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's performance as an employee or student.

Any unwanted behavior from direct sexual propositions to subtle intimidation of a sexual nature is a violation of your rights as a UT student. If students feel that they have been a victim of sexual harassment they should consult with or report to the:

  1. College Dean, Associate Dean, Assistant Dean, or chair of the department
  2. Dean of Students in SSB 4.104
  3. Associate Vice President for Legal Affairs and Institutional Relations, Main Building 206
  4. Director of the Equal Opportunity Office, Flawn Academic Center 206

The university understands that students and faculty will have social interactions but trust that all will act responsibly. The official UT policy for consensual relationships states that, "faculty and staff should conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and should avoid compromising situations involving romantic or sexual relationships."

The university administration takes the rights of students seriously and is committed to providing an environment that is free from sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.