Sex- and Gender-Based Misconduct: Sexual or Gender-based Harassment

California Institute of Technology

  • Speech Code Rating
    Yellow
  • Speech Code Category
    Harassment Policies
  • Last updated
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Relevant Excerpt

Gender-Based Harassment is harassment based on an individual’s actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity or gender expression including harassing or bullying conduct based on the individual’s gender expression, gender identity, transgender status, gender transition, or nonconformity with sex stereotypes.

...

The following illustrative examples are provided to help prevent inappropriate behavior and are
not evidence that similar allegations would automatically constitute that particular type of
prohibited conduct. The examples below may constitute prohibited conduct, depending on the
specific facts and circumstances.

...

  • Sending unwanted sexually-oriented jokes to a student or work group email list.
  • Displaying explicit sexual pictures in common areas of Institute housing or on a work computer station where others can view it.
  • Making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, or jokes of a gender-based or sexual nature.
  • Ostracizing individuals from group activities because of their sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or because they objected to harassing behavior.
  • Making unwelcome graphic comments about an individual's body, using sexually degrading words to describe an individual.
  • Engaging in unwanted suggestive or obscene communications. ...
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