Sexual Misconduct or Harassment

If you are in immediate danger, please call Public Safety at 203-254-4090 or 911
Public Safety can connect you with a University counselor 24/7.

Report the incident to Title IX Compliance Coordinator Megan Monahan, JD.

Fairfield University is committed to providing an environment free from sexual harassment. If you have a concern about your interactions with a member of the University community, call Megan Monahan, JD., Title IX Compliance Coordinator at 203-254-4000 ext. 4357 for more information. and assistance about filing a complaint.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

According to guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights and the Equal Employment Commission, the following behavior constitutes sexual harassment:

• Submission to sexual advances is a condition of your employment or education;
• Acceptance or rejection of these advances or comments affects your job status, your grades, or your professional advancement; or
• Unwelcome sexual advances or comments interfere with your work or study.

Levels of Sexual Harassment

• Gender Harassment: Generalized sexist remarks and behavior which convey insulting, degrading, or sexist attitudes.

• Seductive Behavior: Unwanted, inappropriate, and offensive physical or verbal sexual advances.
• Sexual Bribery: Solicitation of sexual activity or other sex-linked behavior by promise of reward.
• Sexual Coercion: Coercion of sexual activity or other sex-linked behavior by threat of punishment.
• Sexual Assault: Assault or rape.

Sexual Misconduct

At Fairfield University, we are committed to providing a learning environment free of sexual misconduct. If you or a friend are a victim of sexual misconduct, please know you are not alone, and it is not your fault. There are many resources available to you, both confidential and non-confidential.

What is sexual violence and sexual harassment?

Sexual violence, or sexual assault, is any sexual act that is perpetrated against someone’s will. This includes engaging in any sexual activity without effective consent, ranging from non-consensual sexual contact to non-consensual sexual intercourse. Consent cannot be obtained through the use of force, threat, or coercion, or from someone who is incapacitated—including through consumption of drugs or alcohol.

What constitutes sexual misconduct at Fairfield University encompasses a wide range of behaviors, including, but not limited to, harassment of a sexual nature, stalking, intimate partner violence, intimidation and sexual exploitation. The University prohibits all forms of sexual violence, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct.

We ensure that:

• Survivors are provided with clear information and support.
• The accused are held accountable.
• Prevention education is provided to all staff and the student body on an ongoing basis.
• Professional staff treat complainants with dignity and respect, with the intent that re-victimization does not occur during the process.

For more information, please use the links below: