How does OCR define harassment?

The Office for Civil Rights within the United States Department of Education is responsible for enforcement of Title IX. In January 2001, OCR issued “Revised Sexual Harassment Guidance” which defines sexual harassment under Title IX as follows:

Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. [Footnote omitted.] Sexual harassment of a student can deny or limit, on the basis of sex, the student’s ability to participate in or to receive benefits, services, or opportunities in the school’s program.

A charge of discrimination can be filed with the OCR

The OCR office for California is located at:

San Francisco Office
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
Old Federal Building
50 United Nations Plaza, Room 239
San Francisco, CA 94102-4102
Telephone: 415-556-4275
FAX: 415-437-7783; TDD: 415-437-7786
Email:

The OCR National Headquaters is located at:

U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
Customer Service Team
Mary E.Switzer Building
330 C Street,SW
Washington, DC 20202
Telephone:1-800-421-3481
FAX: 202-205-9862; TDD: 877-521-2172
Email: