Montana State University

Sexual Harassment

Montana State University seeks to create a working environment for all employees and a learning environment for all students that supports and rewards their career and academic goals on the basis of ability and work performance, regardless of sex. Sexual harassment and/or sexual intimidation are forms of discrimination prohibited by law and University policy. Sexual harassment or intimidation of employees or students is unacceptable behavior and is prohibited.

Disciplinary and/or corrective action will be taken when instances of sexual harassment or intimidation are identified and confirmed. Supervisors who knowingly condone, fail to report, or fail to take action to remediate incidents of harassment or intimidation may themselves be subject to discipline.

Further, materials such as calendars, posters, post cards, photography and cartoons which contain sexually explicit images or language can create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment and may subject persons of either sex to humiliation, embarrassment or discomfort because of their gender. Such materials are inappropriate and should be removed from the workplace.

What is Sexual Harassment?
Myths About Sexual Harassment
Effects of Sexual Harassment
Reducing the Likelihood of Being Harassed
What to do if you experience harassment or intimidation.

You can:
  • Take Individual Action
  • Seek Informal Assistance
  • File a Formal Complaint
INDIVIDUAL ACTION:

Never ignore harassment or intimidation, it is likely to continue and increase if you ignore it.  Instead, speak up immediately and clearly state that you are offended by the behavior and want it to stop.  Never make excuses for your feelings.

Document all incidents including dates, times, places, witnesses and descriptions of events.

SEEK INFORMAL ASSISTANCE

If you are uncomfortable taking direct action or if you have been unsuccessful in resolving the matter yourself, discuss your complaint with your academic advisor, appropriate dean, department head, director or supervisor and attempt, if feasible, to resolve the complaint by mutual consent.

If you feel uncomfortable discussing your complaint with administrative or supervisory staff, you are encouraged to discuss it with any of the following resources:

FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT

You may file a formal complaint by contacting the Office of Affirmative Action.  Complaint procedures will be discussed with you, and you may request that your complaint be formally investigated.  Every reasonable effort will be made to maintain confidentiality and to protect the rights of both you and the alleged offender.

A complaint filed in good faith will be protected from retaliation. Tell the Office of Affirmative Action immediately if you have any concerns in this regard.

Harassment is an expression of hostility and an exercise in power.
You do not have to put up with it or pretend it's a joke.

Complete MSU Bozeman, Non-Discrimination Policies and Procedures are available in hard copy from the Office of Affirmative Action, MSU-Bozeman, 118 Hamilton Hall, P.O. Box 172430, Bozeman, MT 59717-2430, (406)994-2402 or on the Web at: http://www2.montana.edu/policy/affirmative_action/aa200.html.

Harassment based on race, color, national origin, sexual preference, marital status, age, religion, creed or political belief, mental or physical handicap or disability, or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran also occurs and is prohibited by MSU's Non-discrimination policy. Such incidents of harassment should be reported to the Compliance Officer identified below:

The University's Compliance Officer to whom complaints of discrimination, including harassment, should be reported is:
Diane Letendre
118 Hamilton Hall
PO Box 172430
Bozeman, MT 59717-2430
(406)994-2402
Fax (406)994-7999
e-mail: dletendre@montana.edu