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Summer Term Begins May 13

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment constitutes an unacceptable and punishable offense at CNM.

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

  • submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, grade or other classroom experience;
  • submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individual; or
  • such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or learning environment.

Sexual harassment is distinguished from voluntary sexual relationships by the introduction of the elements of coercion and threat. Sexual harassment can involve a supervisor or employee and a student, or an instructor and a student, or two students. The three most common factors in sexual harassment are:

  • unwelcome or offensive behavior;
  • one-sided versus mutual interest; and
  • an offender in a position of authority over the victim.

Sexual harassment can be:

  • as blatant as the offer of a promotion, a grade or other academic reward in return for sexual favors; or
  • as subtle as constant efforts to change a professional or academic relationship into a personal and social one.

Sexual harassment can include (but is not limited to):

  • persistent and offensive personal jokes and comments; or
  • unwanted physical contact (touching, patting, bumping or pinching); or
  • displaying sexually oriented pictures.

As a student, you can do a great deal on your own to prevent or stop sexual harassment. The signals or feedback you give to another person can be very important. You should examine your own behavior and the reactions you get from others. If you believe you are being sexually harassed:

  • Say “no” and mean it. Make clear to the offender that the behavior is unacceptable to you.
  • Speak directly. Say something like this: “I’d like to keep our relationship strictly academic (or professional).”
  • Take action even if you are uncertain about whether sexual harassment is taking place.

Where to go for HELP

Students with questions or complaints about sexual harassment involving another student should contact the Dean of Students in the Main Campus Student Services Center, telephone (505) 224-4342. Sexual harassment matters concerning a student and a CNM employee should be brought to the Human Resources Department, A Building, Main Campus, (505) 224-4600.