Introduction
Objectives
What is Sexual Harassment?
Court Cases
The Law
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Unwelcomeness: What Does It Mean?
Exercises
Types of Harassment
Retaliation
The Costs of Sexual Harassment
Other Discriminatory Harassment
What if you experience sexual harassment?
UNM Sexual Harassment Policy
Knowledge Test
Conclusion

Sex or Power

Most workplace or classroom sexual harassment is based on power and not on romance, although failed romances can lead to sexual harassment.

At work some people have authority over others. In these formal power relationships, subordinate employees or students do not always feel free to speak up to persons of higher authority who have control over their working conditions or academic opportunities.

But sexual harassment is illegal, and holding a position of power or authority does not convey the right to break the law.

In addition to formal power relationships, informal types of power, such as domination through physical size, loud voice, overbearing personality, superior or controlling attitude, or the harasser's position amongst peers can be intimidating and threatening to some employees, discouraging them from speaking up about unwelcome behavior.