Human Rights & Equity OfficeAt ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥, academic and non-academic administrators and supervisors are responsible for creating and maintaining a harassment-free work, learning and living environment, and for ensuring that everyone is treated fairly.
Those in positions of authority are expected to know what is happening in the environment for which they are responsible, to take immediate steps to stop harassment of which they become aware, and to take proactive steps to prevent further harassment from taking place.
Sexual harassment is an attempt by one person to assert power over another person. Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, sexual harassment is "engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct of a sexual nature that is known or ought to be known to be unwelcome." In some cases, one incident can be serious enough to be sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can include, but is not limited to:
asking for sex in exchange for something, like offering to improve a test score, offering a raise or promotion at work, or withholding something like needed repairs to your apartment (also known as Quid Pro Quo harassment)asking for dates and not taking "no" for an answer demanding hugs or making unnecessary physical contact, including unwanted touching using rude or insulting language or making comments that stereotype women or men calling people unkind names that relate to their sex or gender making comments about a person's physical appearance (whether or not they are attractive)saying or doing something because you think a person does not fit sex-role stereotypes posting or sharing pornography, sexual pictures, cartoons, graffiti or other sexual images (including online)making sexual jokes bragging about sexual ability bullying based on sex or gender spreading sexual rumors or gossip (including online) voyeurism and exhibitionism
Sexual harassment can also develop in the context of dating relationships. Trying to initiate a relationship when one party is unwilling; or persistently trying to continue a relationship when someone has ended it, can also constitute sexual harassment. Persistent conduct (text messages, emails, stalking behaviours, etc. that is carried out over a period of time and which causes the recipient to reasonably fear for their safety is criminal harassment and is an offense under the law.
N.B. Behaviors involved in unwanted physical contact may extend up and to and including sexual assault. Because of the nature and complexities involved in sexual assault, people may want to contact an advisor for confidential advice and assistance.
Because of the prevalent nature of sexual harassment, it has been given special attention in the Ontario Human Rights Code, Part I Section 7 (1-3) which can be found at