Policy on Sexual Harassment
- Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment if they are unwelcome.
In determining whether conduct constitutes sexual harassment, a totality of circumstances of the conduct will be considered.
- Policy Statement
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is committed to equal opportunity in academic pursuit and employment and to eliminating any form of discrimination against all staff, students, and other persons who have dealings with the University. Since sexual harassment is a form of discrimination which makes the harassee feel degraded, all members of the University community shall take necessary steps to ensure that the workplace and educational environment are free of sexual harassment.
The sexual harassment policy applies to both men and women. Sexual harassment is prohibited and is unacceptable at all levels in the University community. Persons who feel sexually harassed, offended, humiliated or intimidated by unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other conduct of a sexual nature should make it known to the harasser that the conduct is unwelcome.
All members of the University community should be acquainted with this Policy and are encouraged to report cases of sexual harassment to the relevant authorities. Any staff member or student who is found to have contravened the University's Policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
- Examples of Sexual Harassment*
Depending on the circumstances, the following may constitute sexual harassment:- Repeated attempts to make a date, despite being told "NO" each time
- Comments with sexual innuendoes and suggestive or insulting sounds
- Relentless humour and jokes about sex or gender in general
- Sexual propositions or other pressure for sex
- Implied or overt threats for sex (e.g., demanding sexual favours in exchange for a promotion or a passing grade in examination)
- Obscene gestures or inappropriate touching (e.g., patting, touching, kissing or pinching)
- Persistent phone calls or letters asking for a personal or sexual relationship
- Displaying sexually obscene or suggestive photographs or literature
- University Policies and Guidelines Related to Sexual Harassment
* Examples are taken from the pamphlet "Preventing & Dealing with Sexual Harassment" issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission.
