Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that can occur when [...] unwelcome physical acts of a sexual nature, or unwelcome requests for sexual favors or other verbal conduct of a sexual nature, have the effect of creating an objectively hostile environment that interferes with employment or education on account of sex.

Constitutionally protected expression cannot be considered harassment under this policy.

Verbal conduct that, depending on the totality of circumstances present, may constitute sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to,

* explicit or implicit propositions to engage in sexual activity;
* gratuitous comments, jokes, questions, anecdotes, or remarks of a sexual nature about clothing or bodies;
* gratuitous remarks about sexual activities or speculation about sexual experiences;
* persistent, unwanted sexual or romantic attention;
* subtle or overt pressure for sexual favors;
* exposure to sexually suggestive visual displays such as photographs, graffiti, posters, calendars, or other materials;
* deliberate, repeated humiliation or intimidation based upon sex.

Behaviors that, depending on the totality of the circumstances present, may constitute sex discrimination include, but are not limited to:

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Being subjected to jokes or derogatory comments about one's gender.

Sexual harassment can occur when: [...] unwelcome physical acts of a sexual nature, or unwelcome requests for sexual favors or other verbal conduct of a sexual nature, have the effect of creating an objectively hostile environment that interferes with employment or education on account of sex.

Sexual misconduct is conduct of a sexual nature that, although not so serious or pervasive that it rises to the level of sex discrimination or sexual harassment, is unprofessional and/or inappropriate for the educational and working environment.

Behaviors that may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: [...] Gratuitous comments of a sexual nature such as explicit statements, questions, jokes or anecdotes; Remarks of a sexual nature about a person's clothing or body; Remarks about sexual activities or speculation about sexual experiences; Exposure to gratuitous sexually suggestive visual displays such as photographs, graffiti, posters, calendars or other materials [....]

Verbal harassment may consist of threats, insults, epithets, ridicule, personal attacks, or the categories of harassing sexual speech set forth in Policy 4.B.2 of the Revised Handbook of Operating Procedures [....]

To make an argument for or against the substance of any political, religious, philosophical, ideological, or academic idea is not verbal harassment, even if some listeners are offended by the argument or idea.

"Verbal harassment" means hostile or offensive speech, oral, written, or symbolic, that

1. personally describes or is personally directed to one or more specific individuals; and
2. is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent to create an objectively hostile environment that interferes with or diminishes the victim's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the University; and
3. is not necessary to the expression of any idea described in paragraph (2) of this subsection.

Threats of violence as well as other acts or communications intended to intimidate, harass or annoy are prohibited.

Racist attitudes and beliefs may be revealed in threats and other communications or acts of violence, hatred, abuse of authority, or ill-will that assault the person or the sense of self-worth of members of our community. Such communications and acts vilify, ridicule, and humiliate, and also can cause serious emotional distress, impede the learning process, and, in the form of "fighting words," may provoke a violent response. Racist behavior brings dishonor to the perpetrator, demoralizes and disrupts the academic community as a whole, and diminishes the stature of The University. For all of these reasons, The University unequivocally condemns racist behavior in all of its forms. [...] [W]hatever the legal boundaries of free speech, the members of an educational community should adopt voluntarily standards of civility that reflect mutual respect, understanding, and sensitivity among its diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural groups. [...] The Director of the Multicultural Center has been given the primary responsibility for educating students about their responsibilities under this policy.

The freedoms of speech, expression, and assembly are fundamental rights of all persons and are central to the mission of the University. Students, faculty members, and staff members have the right to assemble, to speak, and to attempt to attract the attention of others, and corresponding rights to hear the speech of others when they choose to listen, and to ignore the speech of others when they choose not to listen.

Be civil. Do not send rude or harassing e-mail.

Notwithstanding any action taken by civil authorities or agencies charged with the enforcement of criminal laws on account of the violation, the dean may initiate disciplinary proceedings under subchapter 11-300 against a student who

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otherwise engages in conduct that is inappropriate for members of an academic institution (such conduct includes but is not limited to pranks, public nudity, harassing phone calls or e-mail, and berating or otherwise abusive behavior)