Policy on Harassment and Non-Discrimination

Relevant Excerpt

2.2. Harassment. Harassment constitutes a form of discrimination that is prohibited by this Policy. It is unwelcome conduct by any member or group of the University community on the basis of one or more protected characteristics set forth in Section 1.1 above. Harassment can rise to the level of creating a hostile environment.
2.2.1. Hostile or Offensive Environment. A hostile or offensive work, learning, co-curricular, social or living environment occurs when a member of the University community or a visitor is subjected to unwelcome statements, jokes, gestures, pictures, touching, or other conduct that offends, demeans, harasses, or intimidates and is based on one or more of the protected characteristics set forth in Section 1.1 above. Harassment includes offensive verbal or physical conduct or text or graphic communication including through social media that has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s work or educational performance, or has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. The violating conduct may involve a single serious and offensive act, or may involve persistent harassing behavior.