No means NO: Sexual Harassment

Unit: Sexuality Workshop

Textbook references: N/A

Learning objectives:

- To understand what sexual harassment is and the scope of behavioral interaction that is considered "sexual harassment"

- To be able to identify different forms of sexual harassment

- To define ways to respond to sexual harassment in order to end it

- To compare and understand sexual harassment and sexual abuse

Key Questions, Concepts, or Themes:

- What is sexual harassment?

- What are different types of sexual harassment?

- When does sexual harassment become abuse?

- How can someone who is sexually harassed end the harassment?

- What is a safe way to respond to sexual harassment and sexual abuse?

Stage 1: When students enter the classroom, they will given an index card and write down what they think is the definition of sexual harassment. As students complete the cards, they will be taped to the board (unanimously) and read out loud. We will discuss what the common understanding of sexual harassment is, as well as the myths that surround it. Some key points that will be made incude:

• Sexual harassment is any behavior or commentary intended to humiliate someone or that continues despite requests to stop.
• Sexual harassment can take one of three forms: Verbal, Physical, or Visual.
  
  • Verbal sexual harassment: sexual names/jokes, rumors about one's sexual activity, comments about one's physical body, sexual intimidation, noises, sounds.
  • Visual sexual harassment: dirty images, unwelcome/sexually suggestive emails or notes, sexual gestures, obscene graffiti
  • Physical sexual harassment: touching someone somewhere/in a manner in which they do not wish to be touched, pulling on someone's clothes, grabbing someone inappropriately, hugging in a sexual manner
• Sexual harassment isn't about liking or not liking someone. Even FRIENDS can sexually harass one another.
• Sexual harassment is about holding POWER over someone by not respecting their limits or decisions
• Sexual harassment CAN occur between people of the same sex ("slut"/"ho", "fag" /pants)
• Friendship does not negate sexual harassment.
• FLIRTING is welcome behavior, which usually goes both ways. SEXUAL HARASSMENT is not welcome behavior and does not go both ways. It is intended to show power, and makes the victim feel humiliated or dirty.
• INTENT & RECIPROCITY are key to determining sexual harassment.
• Sexual harassment is against the law, and violates school policy.
  

Stage 2: Students will be given a series of situations to read as a group. This may, alternatively, be done as a small group or peer exercise. Students will be asked to think about the following questions in relation to the scenarios (attached).

1. Is sexual harassment involved?

2. What type of sexual harassment is taking place?

3. Why is this behavior considered harassment?

4. Who holds the power? How does it feel to be powerful? How does it feel to be powerless? What can be done?

[Group discussion]

Stage 3: Have you ever seen or heard of sexual harassment occuring? What can we do to prevent or end sexual harassment as a common occurance? How can someone who is being sexually harassed respond on the spot? What should the appropriate follow-up be? Where should we draw the lines between sexual harassment and flirting/joking behavior?

What is the relationship between sexual harassment and sexual abuse? (Additional scenario).

Homework: N/A

Assessments: (attach/link copies)

__ Group assessment

__ Observation of process/student work

__ Self-assessment by student

__ Teacher generated assignment

__ Written project

__ Test/Quiz

_x_ Other: _Group Discussion________________________