Sexual Violence or Harassment in Experiential Learning

The Langara Sexualized Violence Response policy defines sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination based on gender; unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that detrimentally affects or interferes with the work/study environment or leads to adverse job/education-related consequences for the individual.

Case law has established that sexual harassment takes many forms and can include everything from comments, emails, texts or sexual jokes to sexual propositions, persistent romantic pursuit, sexual touching or assaults. Comments or conduct do not have to be explicitly sexual in nature and can include degrading comments, insults or unfair treatment because of a persons sex, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

Sexual harassment in an experiential learning setting (practicum, study abroad, co-op placement etc) may include, but if not limited to, the following actions:

  • A person in authority asking an employee for sexual favours in return for being hired or receiving promotions or other employment benefits;
  • Sexual advances with actual or implied work-related consequences;
  • Unwelcome remarks, questions, jokes or innuendo of a sexual nature including sexist comments, persistent requests to go out together or sexual invitations;
  • Verbal abuse, intimidation or threats of a sexual nature;
  • Leering, staring or making sexual gestures;
  • Display of pornographic or other sexual materials;
  • Offensive pictures, graffiti, cartoons or sayings;
  • Unwanted physical contact such as touching, patting, pinching or hugging; and
  • Physical assault of a sexual nature.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexualized violence or harassment in an experiential learning setting (practicum, study abroad, co-op placement etc) please tell your instructor or email us. If you need confidentiality, you can make a report.

If you work at Langara and exprience sexualized violence or harassment on the job, please contact:

Anita Sall, Director, Human Resources Services
604.323.5815 | asall@langara.ca