Office of Equal Opportunity: What is Title IX?

Relevant Excerpt

Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination and therefore prohibited under Title IX. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature and may include unwelcomed sexual advances, sexual assaults, or requests for sexual favors.

This and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when: ... Such conduct is sufficiently serious that it has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individuals work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment. Harassment does not include verbal expressions or written material that is relevant and appropriately related to course subject matter or curriculum, and this policy shall not abridge academic freedom or the University's educational mission.

The following are examples of types of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment: ... Obscene phone calls, texts, email, or gestures.