The term "Inappropriate sexual misconduct" makes no sense in the work place setting, so what term makes sense?

well, if you work in a brothel…

The moment you call it misconduct, well, it’s pretty clear… I cannot see any appropriate misconduct… I cannot believe that this and this is suddenly so relevant after 17 tears…

@flo hits on a serious question. If you look back to my Fluther answers a couple weeks ago, I raised the question then.

There is no agreed upon definition of what ‘sexual misconduct’ is.

Yes, we can all point out certain individual things (‘grab the by the pussy-Donald Trump”, or masturbating in front of someone who doesn’t want to see it, etc., etc.). Is X-rated talk misconduct? Is R-rated talk misconduct? Is talking about a movie that shows nudity misconduct? Is wearing a T-shirt that says “wanna fuck?” misconduct? Is staring at a person’s eyes misconduct? Is staring at a woman’s chest misconduct?

Some folks will answer “all of the above” – and I have big problems with that wide of a definition.

Some folks will say “it depends on the situation” – but that means that there are no real rules; they shift to meet the needs of the time. And that is no way for civil society to operate.

So until there is some commonly understood definition of ‘sexual misconduct’, it’s very difficult to take every allegation seriously.

@elbanditoroso It is well established in employment law that a “hostile work environment” is illegal. That doesn’t require a person hitting on another, or flirting, or groping.

It can be as simple as the Boss that says That’s what she said every day, or the guy that has a pin up on his bulletin board.

I think the language distinction is pretty clear. If you slap someone in the face at work, it is an assault (and misconduct). If you slap someone on the ass , or grab someone’s genitals, or a woman’s breasts, it is still an assault, but it it clearly sexual misconduct (and there are a whole bunch of other examples that most people would understand, that are the difference between other types of misconduct, and sexual misconduct.

Inappropriate personal conduct. Adding “sexual” is too precise for a more general definition.

Do two negatives make a positive? Is inappropriate misconduct the same as appropriate conduct?

@kritiper is correct. I’ve worked with people who were much too touchy; not in any sexual manner, but nonetheless offensive. I don’t want any colleague stroking my arm, rubbing my back, leaning up against me, etc. Several times, I had to tell someone that anything beyond a handshake would be inappropriate and, that if the behavior continued, I’d file a complaint.

I’ll also mention that I’m glad we’re using the word “conduct,” which is much better than “contact.” Words, gestures, and objects can be just as repellent. (I once had a client who visibly displayed a book called the “Gay Guide” on his desk. The book’s cover had a photo of a hunky man, wearing nothing but a G-string and posing provocatively for the camera.)

All sexual misconduct is inappropriate.thats why its called misconduct.

I didn’t get notification for your most of your responses. Only got notification for @ragingloli and @Answerplease‘s answers

Thanks all.

The “inappropriate” part of the “inappropriate sexual misconduct” makes some people have the following conversation:
Is there an appropriate kind of sexual misconduct?”
No, there isn’t.
So, why are they using the word “inappropriate”?

They use it as an intensifier, rather than as an adjectival alternative. It is a stressor.

Maybe they do but it’s an inappropriate word to use.
https://www.fluther.com/206057/why-mr-trump-and-mr-obama-after-they-became/#quip3439327
Also, it is in the work place, not between couples at home let’s say, as in one of them doing what the other finds inappropriate for him/her. So, it is all around wrong term. “Hostile workplace conduct” and under that heading “sexual harrassment”, “sexual asaault” etc.