In Dec. 2011, USF established a Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment (including Battery) policy. The goal of the policy, according to general counsel documents found online, is to “provide a work and study environment for faculty, staff and students that is free of discrimination and sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment.”
The newest addition to the policy includes sexual battery. The policy encompasses all campuses of the USF System.
Sandra Conway, director of human resources at USFSP, said the new system-wide policy incorporates two previous policies into one and replaces an earlier proposed USFSP sexual battery policy.
Policy 0-0004, which includes students, staff, faculty, employees and administration, is not limited to the USF community only.
“This would also include any visitors and vendors on campus,” Conway said.
Victims of sexual harassment must file a complaint within 120 days of the incident with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities or Student Affairs. Privacy is protected.
The language of the policy outlines the parameters of sexual misconduct as unwanted sexual advances. This includes requests for conditional sexual favors and “other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature” by an employer, professor or teaching assistant, which could create “an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational environment.”
Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, involves unwelcome behavior “of a sexual nature.” Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, making threats that would interfere with employment or educational opportunities, promises of employment or academic gains in exchange for sexual favors, and favoritism based on an existing sexual relationship.
Persistently asking a person for a date “after being told ‘no’ ” is also included.
The university also recognizes inter-departmental consensual relationships and acknowledges the risks involved in unequal “power” levels between student and teacher or employer and employee. Should a relationship end, the university also recognizes the possibility of backlash and that sexual harassment lawsuits could occur.
A USF system-wide policy covering consensual relationships (USF System Policy 1-022 – Consensual Relationships) has been created for these types of situations.
The battery, rape and violence clause includes “physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent.”
Findings on the 2011-2012 Annual Fire and Safety Report indicate there were no forcible sex/rape and/or non-forcible sex/rape incidences reported on campus by the USF Police Department during 2010. Crimes documented by university officials or other law enforcement agencies reported five incidences of forcible sex/rape on public property in the surrounding areas near campus.
The University Police suggest taking preventative measures against sexual assault, such as parking in well-lit areas, maintaining a buddy system, being aware of your surroundings and making your whereabouts known. Police escorts are also available.
Victims of a sexual assault on campus should contact University Police immediately at 727-873-4140.
“If it happens on campus, the USFSP police would conduct the criminal investigation,” said University Police Chief Rene Chenevert.
Chenevert also said the police are there to help provide advocacy referrals.
The USFSP Center for Counseling, Health & Wellness provides various counseling and crisis services. For more information, visit www.usfsp.edu/cchw/Counseling_Services/CrisisServices.htm.
Email: news@crowsneststpete.com
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USF St. Petersburg
Important Numbers to have:
Emergency 9-1-1
University Police: 727-873-4140
Local Rape Crisis Center: 727-531-0482
Counseling Center: 727-873-4422
Victim Advocate: 727-612-2861
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