Harassment and Discrimination Policy and Procedure

Relevant Excerpt

A. Definition of Harassment

Harassment is conduct that is (1) unwelcome; (2) discriminatory on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by state or federal law; and (3) directed at a specific individual or individuals. Harassment violates University policy when it is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent that
it denies or limits, or is likely to deny or limit, a reasonable person’s ability to participate in or benefit from University programs, services, opportunities, or activities.

Harassment can include but is not limited to verbal or non-verbal communication, written or graphic communication, electronic communication, and/or physical conduct. Examples of prohibited harassment may include, but are not limited to physical harassment, such as touching, pinching, grabbing, or brushing against another person without their consent; and (b) severe, pervasive, or persistent insults, jokes or derisive comments relating to a person’s protected characteristic.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment is harassment (as defined above) of a sexual nature. It can include verbal or non-verbal communication or physical conduct. It is prohibited by this policy when it is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent that it denies or limits or is likely to deny or limit a reasonable person’s ability to participate in or benefit from University programs, services, opportunities or activities. Examples of prohibited sexual harassment include, but are not
limited to (a) repeated sexual solicitations toward a person who has indicated they are unwelcome; (b) conditioning favorable treatment in connection with any University program upon sexual favors; (c) threats of a sexual nature that do not rise to the level of sexual assault or domestic violence; and (d) severe, pervasive, or persistent insults or derisive comments related to sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation directed at a specific
individual.