What must be true for behavior to be considered sexual harassment?

For behavior to be classified as sexual harassment, it must be unwelcomed and sexual in nature. This definition emphasizes that the recipient did not solicit or encourage the behavior, and that the behavior itself pertains to a sexual context or characterization. The key component is the lack of consent or acceptance from the individual who experiences the behavior, which constitutes the harassment.

Recognizing this definition is vital in understanding the impact of unwanted sexual behavior in a workplace or educational environment. It allows for the identification and reporting of such behavior, ensuring that individuals can maintain a safe and respectful atmosphere.

The other aspects, such as the requirement for a private setting or involvement of multiple parties, do not align with the core understanding of sexual harassment, as it can occur in various contexts and does not necessarily require more than one perpetrator. Similarly, if the behavior is welcomed, it does not fulfill the criteria needed to categorize it as harassment.