Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment

Quid pro quo is a Latin term that means "something for something," or an exchange of one thing for another.

So, quid pro quo sexual harassment essentially means asking for sexual favors of some kind in exchange for special treatment on the job, or the threat of ill-treatment if the victim will not consent to sexual favors. The "sexual conduct" may be verbal or physical, and the "asking" may be done either openly or implied. But, in any case, it must be unwelcome.

• Example: A supervisor suggests that he/she can help a subordinate get a promotion if the subordinate gives in to the supervisor's sexual advances.

On campus, quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs if a faculty or staff member directly or indirectly requires a student to submit to sexual conduct in order to participate in a College program or activity, or if a faculty, staff, or student requires sexual conduct as the basis for an educational decision, such as a good grade. In other words, the faculty or staff member makes unwelcome sexual advances, requests sexual favors, or the student gives in to other verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct that is sexual in nature.

• For example, a professor implies that if a student engages in sexual activity, the professor will give the student a better grade.
• Or, a student implies that if the instructor engages in sexual activity with the student, the student will give the instructor a good evaluation at the end of the quarter.

In either case, the sexual harassment is unlawful whether or not the victim objects and then is harmed in some way, or gives in so as to avoid the harm.