The Citadel has very specific definitions of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault outlined in our college regulations and policies.
These definitions serve as the standard to help educate and inform members of The Citadel Family (Cadets, Parents, Faculty/Staff, alumni, etc.).
It is important to remember that these definitions outline a wide range of behavior and actions; from seemingly small to the most severe.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual attention. It includes, but is not limited to, unwanted requests or demands for sexual favors, propositions, questions about a person's sexual practices, lewd comments, leering, sexual insults or innuendoes and sexually explicit jokes.
It also includes unwanted touching, fondling, patting, pinching or kissing, as well as blocking a person's way.
Both men and women can be sexually harassed although women are most often the targets of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can also occur between members of the same sex.
It is usually repeated behavior but it could be one serious incident. It is frequently involves a display of formal or informal power intended to demean, embarrass, intimidate or coerce a person
Definition of Sexual Assault
SEXUAL ASSAULT includes rape and all other forms of unlawful sexual behavior and contact which is not mutually agreed upon (i.e., penetration with a foreign object including a finger; oral or anal sex; unwanted touching on skin or through clothing; or touching an intimate part of another person such as their genitals, buttocks, or breasts) without affirmative consent by all persons involved.
