Office of Student Conflict Resolution: Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities - Definitions

Relevant Excerpt

Harassing or bullying another person−physically, verbally, or through other means.

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Harassing: conduct directed toward a person that includes repeated or continuing unconsented contact that would cause a reasonable individual to suffer substantial emotional distress and that actually causes the person to suffer substantial emotional distress. Harassing does not include constitutionally protected activity or conduct that serves a legitimate purpose.

Bullying: any written, verbal, or physical act, or any electronic communication, directed toward a person that is intended to cause or that a reasonable person would know is likely to cause, and that actually causes, physical harm or substantial emotional distress and thereby adversely affects the ability of another person to participate in or benefit from the University’s educational programs or activities. Bullying does not include constitutionally protected activity or conduct that serves a legitimate purpose.