Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy: Discriminatory Harassment

Santa Clara University

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

Discriminatory harassment constitutes a form of discrimination that is prohibited by University policy, and defined as unwelcome conduct by any member or group of the community on the basis of actual or perceived membership in a class protected by University policy or law. The University does not tolerate discriminatory harassment of any employee, student, visitor, or guest.

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The University will act to remedy all forms of harassment when reported, whether or not the harassment rises to
the level of creating a "hostile environment." A hostile environment is one that unreasonably interferes with, limits,
or effectively denies an individual's educational or employment access, benefits, or opportunities.  This
discriminatory effect results from harassing verbal, written, graphic, or physical conduct that is severe or pervasive
and objectively offensive. 

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Examples include, but are not limited to, verbal innuendos, epithets, derogatory slurs, off-color jokes, threats, suggestive or insulting sounds; visual/non-verbal such as derogatory posters, cartoons, or drawings; offensive emails, objects, or pictures; graphic commentaries; obscene gestures; ...

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The University reserves the right to address offensive conduct and/or harassment that 1) does not rise to the level of creating a hostile environment, or 2) that is of a generic nature and not based on a protected status. Addressing such conduct will not result in the imposition of discipline under University policy, but may be addressed through respectful conversation, remedial actions, education, and effective alternate and informal resolution mechanisms.

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