Sexual Harassment Policy

Last updated: August 17, 2026

Policy Statement

Sexual harassment is illegal in Chicago and under Illinois law. Ghana Study Abroad is committed to maintaining a workplace — and travel programs — free from sexual harassment and from any form of retaliation for reporting such behavior. This policy applies to our staff, contractors, and program leaders, and the standards of conduct it describes are expected of everyone participating in our programs, at home and while traveling.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

"Sexual harassment" means any:

Unwelcome sexual advances or unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature; or
Requests for sexual favors or conduct of a sexual nature when submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or program participation, or submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual, or such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work or participation or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or
Sexual misconduct, meaning any behavior of a sexual nature that also involves coercion, abuse of authority, or misuse of an individual's position.

Examples of Prohibited Conduct

Unwanted sexual advances or propositions.
Making or threatening reprisals after a negative response to sexual advances.
Visual conduct such as leering, making sexual gestures, or displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, or posters.
Verbal conduct such as derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, or jokes; graphic commentary about an individual's body; or suggestive or obscene messages or invitations.
Physical conduct such as unwanted touching, assault, or impeding or blocking movement.

Training

All employees participate in at least one hour of sexual harassment prevention training annually.
Supervisors, managers, and program leaders participate in at least two hours annually.
All employees also participate in one hour of bystander intervention training annually.

Reporting

Anyone who believes they have been subjected to sexual harassment — an employee, a program participant, or a guest — should report the incident as soon as possible to a program leader, to management, or through the contact details below. On a trip, any staff member or the 24-hour support line can take a report. Reports are handled promptly and as confidentially as possible.

Legal Services

Individuals who may be victims of sexual harassment can access legal services, including governmental resources, for assistance.

Anti-Retaliation

Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal. Ghana Study Abroad strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who report sexual harassment or participate in the investigation of a complaint.

Contact

Ghana Study Abroad
4952 W Chicago Ave , Chicago , IL , 60651
773-417-8808
info@catchtheworld.org