Definition of Harassment

Harassment on Our Campus

Society faces various types of harassment; harassments that are likely to occur on our campus are sexual harassment, academic harassment, power harassment and harassment related to pregnancy, childbirth, and child/family care leave. The definitions and case examples of the four types of harassment are given below.

（１）Definition and case examples of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment refers to any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature and physical behavior or verbal expressions arising from a sexually discriminative disposition. In determining whether a particular act constitutes sexual harassment, consideration will be given to the impression of the offended person(including specified entrusted business operators(*), in addition to faculty, staff members, and students), whether he/she finds it disagreeable or not.

The following cases are some of the examples:

_At a karaoke party a person became drunk and forced you to sing a duet with him/her and wrapped his/her arms tightly around you.

Being drunk is not an excuse for such an act. The act performed itself is the issue and there is no excuse for the harasser even if he/she “did not mean to”.

_A picture of a nude was hung on the walls of the research lab or on the computer screen and it made you feel uncomfortable.

The harasser did not actually say anything specific or touch anyone, but he/she has made the environment hostile.

_Your academic supervisor told you to come to his/her office for individual study and there asked you out for a date or dinner. Reluctantly, you had to accept invitations a few times, but you firmly rejected it later on. Then the academic supervisor started to pick on you during classes and gave you the lowest grade.

It is quid pro quo sexual harassment when a person with a higher status in an academic relationship, such as an academic supervisor, makes unwelcome requests and, when rejected, exacts some form of retribution.

_A person asked you out for a date and you rejected it several times and now he/she follows you frequently.

Stalking is a harmful act which frightens and threatens the victim, inducing anxiety and fears for one’s safety.

_A senior student I have been going out with has become violent. When I refused to go out on a date the other day he hit me in the face and it left a bruise. But the next day he is suddenly nice and gentle again, and I cannot make up my mind to leave him.

It may be difficult to tell the partner that such violent behavior (dating/domestic violence) is unwelcome as you feel you should put up with it because “I know he likes me” or “if I complain he will not like me any more”. It is difficult to tell someone that you dislike such behavior because you may think “He likes me so it can’t be helped” or “I have to put up with it because he won’t like me if I complain”. However, violence is never an expression of affection. Tell him clearly that you want him to stop before the violence escalates further.

_You are a member of a student club that has very few male members. You were asked to do all the heavy physical work and when you gave a hint of fatigue you were ridiculed for “being a man and so weak”.

It is “gender harassment” based on the social gender roles of femininity and masculinity. Different from the biological “sex”, gender is a socially and culturally formed type of sexuality.

（２）Definition of Academic Harassment and some examples

Academic harassment is inappropriate acts or words primarily by faculty members toward students or other faculty or staff members, etc. in education, research, or employment, by exploiting the power balance or hierarchical relationships in these contexts.

_Your supervising professor asks you frequently to help him/her in classes and other odd jobs without pay. When you rejected the request once, you were reprimanded for “not being willing to receive his/her guidance and teaching” and from then on you find it difficult to attend classes.

→It is academic harassment when persons with authority or in higher academic position abuse their power through inappropriate behavior, guidance or treatment. Sophia will not tolerate any such harassment to affect the motivation of students and educational environment.

（３）Definition of Power Harassment and some examples

Power harassment is inappropriate acts or words in employment directed toward other faculty or staff members etc. (including specified entrusted business operators(*)) by faculty or staff members abusing their position or power etc. .

_Your superior officer gives you a heavy work load clearly exceeding the limits and you are unable to complete the work by the time limit. The superior accuses you of being “incompetent” in the presence of your fellow workers and when you object he/she tells you to “quit the job, if you do not like it”.

→It is power harassment when a person abuses his/her power and position to an inferior who can not disobey and gives unreasonable orders and reprimands.

（４）Definition and case examples of Harassment related to pregnancy, childbirth, and child/family care leave

It is inappropriate treatment by a faculty or staff member regarding: i) the pregnancy or childbirth of another female colleague etc.(including specified entrusted business operators(*)) and the use of relevant employee benefits; or ii) the use of child/family care leave and related benefits by another colleague etc.(including specified entrusted business operators(*)) , excluding measures taken out of safety considerations.

_You were told to leave your job when you reported your pregnancy.

_A male employee was told to reconsider when he consulted about taking parenting leave.

（５）Definition and case examples of Job-Hunting Harassment

Job-hunting harassment refers to inappropriate words or actions by faculty or staff members, in the course of Sophia School Corporation’s (Sophia University’s) recruitment activities or activities that support career selection, that, against the background of their position, authority, information, or influence, cause mental or physical distress, disadvantage, anxiety, or inhibition to job applicants, etc.(**) ; obstruct their job-search activities, recruitment screening, internships, information sessions, interviews, teaching practicums, or other activities that support career selection; or harm their dignity.

Job-hunting harassment includes sexual harassment directed at job applicants, etc.(**) , as well as conduct equivalent to power harassment and harassment related to pregnancy, childbirth, child/family care leave, and similar matters directed at job applicants, etc.(**) .

_ Being unnecessarily touched on the waist, shoulders, or other areas during information sessions, interviews, or other events related to the recruitment.

_ Being invited by an interviewer or recruitment officer to a private meal or date.

_ Being told that something is “related to employment” or the like and being asked to meet in a closed room or private location.

For more detailed information regarding job-hunting harassment, please refer to these guidelines.

*Specified entrusted business operators refer to those who are entrusted with services in the service agreement with Sophia School Corporation (Sophia University) and who fall under any of the following items:
(1) An individual that does not employ any employees;
(2) A corporation that has no other officers other than a single representative, and that does not employ any employees.

**Job applicants, etc. means the following persons:
(1) Applicants for employment at Sophia School Corporation (Sophia University)
(2) Participants in the Corporation’s (the University’s) employment selection process
(3) Individuals who participate in internships, information sessions, interviews, workplace tours, work-experience programs, teaching practicums, and similar activities conducted by the Corporation (the University) or in connection with the Corporation’s (the University’s) recruitment activities or career-choice support
(4) Individuals who have received a job offer from the Corporation (the University)
(5) Other individuals who participate in activities that contribute to career choice, or who come into contact with faculty or staff members of the Corporation (the University) in connection with recruitment activities or activities that contribute to career choice