Key Terms

Affirmative Consent

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At SDSU, we emphasize to students the importance of affirmative consent and how it can play out in real-time situations. There is nuance to every circumstance, but affirmative consent lends itself to the following principles:

It's Freely-Given: there is no coersion, manipulation, or pressure to participate in a sexual activity.

It's Reversible: consent can be revoked at any time, even when in the middle of sexual activity.

It's Informed: everyone involved is on the same page and has all the information about what they're agreeing to do.

It's Enthusiastic: everyone involved is actively agreeing and excited about what they're doing.

It's Specific: agreeing to one specific activity, like kissing, does not necessarily mean agreeing to participate in other sexual activities.

When in a pinch, just remember FRIES. 

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual Misconduct means engaging in any sexual activity without first obtaining affirmative consent to each specific act, whether or not that activity breaks civil or criminal law.

Harassment

Sexual Harassment is unwelcome sexual attention or behavior (verbal, physical, or written) that makes someone feel uncomfortable, disrespected, or unsafe​.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence means physical violence or threats by a spouse, partner, co-parent, or cohabitant (roommate/housemate).

Stalking

Stalking means engaging in activity directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to: ​

• fear for their safety or the safety of others​
• suffer substantial emotional distress