To qualify as sexual harassment, conduct must be motivated by sexual desire.

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Sexual harassment is defined by unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile environment or to affect a person’s work or education. The crucial point is that the conduct is unwelcome and has a real impact, not that the harasser had sexual desires. It can qualify even if the person claims there was no sexual interest or intent, because the effect on the victim and the frequency or intensity of the behavior matter. For example, repeated vulgar comments, inappropriate jokes, or unwanted advances can be harassment if they are unwelcome and create a hostile or abusive setting, regardless of what the person claims about their motives. The motive isn’t the deciding factor; the combination of unwelcome sexual behavior and its effects determines whether it’s harassment. The other options don’t fit — harassment isn’t dependent on administrative approval, and while context can influence how it’s interpreted, the defining element remains the unwelcome, sexual nature and its impact.