Though the topic of sexual assault on campus has been widely talked about in the past semester, another angle that might not always be as talked-about is sexual harassment.

The Civil Rights/Title IX Office has delivered training on preventing sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination to members of campus for decades.

An unnamed representative from the Civil Rights/Title IX Office replied to emailed questions that had been sent on request and said large numbers of employees and student workers complete an online training program each year.

“New employees, including student workers, are required to complete the online training program on preventing sexual harassment,” the email said.  “Ongoing training for employees is expected to be completed in subsequent years on a rotating basis.”  

Employees were notified via email at the end of May that the 20-minute online training session should be completed by June 5.

The email said Eastern was one of the first universities in Illinois to implement such a training requirement because of how important it is for members of campus to help create a welcoming, positive academic community.

“The Civil Rights/Title IX Office also regularly conducts in-person training on preventing sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination for university departments, employee groups, and student groups,” the email said.

Students and employees are encouraged to contact the Civil Rights/Title IX Office in Old Main as soon as possible after experiencing or witnessing any potential issues related to sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination.

“We wish Eastern to be campus where students love to be, where they feel comfortable, and where they thrive academically and personally,” the email said.

The office defines sexual harassment as a wide range of conduct including “subtle pressures for sexual activity, inappropriate touching or gestures, offensive or inappropriate language and jokes (including that which appears in social media), demands for sexual favors, and sexual violence.”

When a report of sexual harassment is filed, the email said Eastern will implement interim remedies to address the safety and wellbeing of both parties prior to the completion of an investigation.

“Eastern will take immediate and corrective actions to eliminate the harassment, prevent its recurrence and address its effects,” the email said. “Even if the conduct is not actionable, Eastern will take appropriate steps to ensure that potential issues affecting the climate within the workplace or academic setting are appropriately addressed.”

Further information about discrimination and sexual harassment policies is regularly provided to students and employees in several formats including via the university website, postings in academic buildings and residence halls, orientations, at registration via PAWS, online and print publications and regular emails to student and employee accounts.

The online training module can be accessed at http://www.eiu.edu/~training/.

Attempts to identify the provider of the questions were unsuccessful by print time.

Robyn Dexter can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].