As to user-friendly ways to educate about sexual harassment, I also have found
that the term creates almost more problems than it solves. People are uncertain
what behaviors constitute harassment and are fearful a friendly hello will
result in a charge against them. I personally think some of this expressed fear
may include a bit of quilt. I have found in training that it's best to give
people as specific of a template of what constitutes illegal discrimination
based on sexual harassment as possible.
As soon as people learn that the behavior must be made up of either severe,
persistent or pervasive behavior, they settle down in their fear that a casual
remark may get them in trouble. I also make it clear that behaviors that may
not reach the level of actionable sexual harassment, may yet be inappropriate
conduct worthy of attention and perhaps discipline. Interestingly, people are
often willing to address the same behavior which may constitute SH, more readily
if its called misconduct. I'm not encouraging that but it is an observation.
Mary Jo McGrath
MJDIVA@aol.com
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