What should be done if someone is aware of sexual harassment?

Reporting incidents of sexual harassment to the Title IX coordinator promptly is essential because it ensures that the matter is handled according to established policies and procedures. The Title IX coordinator is specifically trained to address issues of sexual harassment and discrimination in educational settings. By reporting the incident, individuals not only contribute to a safe and respectful environment but also enable the institution to take appropriate action to investigate and remedy the situation. This proactive step helps protect the rights of both victims and accused individuals and upholds the integrity of the institution's commitment to preventing harassment.

Avoiding conflict by ignoring the situation can perpetuate a culture of silence and inaction, which can lead to further harassment. Discussing the issue privately with colleagues may not address the seriousness of the matter and could result in misinformation or miscommunication. Waiting for the harasser to stop on their own is also not a viable solution, as it places an undue burden on the victim and can allow the harassment to continue without intervention. Therefore, promptly reporting to the Title IX coordinator is the most responsible and effective course of action.