Harvard University Non-Discrimination Policy - Bullying

Relevant Excerpt

Bullying, used as a shorthand for hostile and abusive behavior or power-based harassment, is defined here as harmful interpersonal aggression by words or actions that humiliate, degrade, demean, intimidate, or threaten an individual or individuals. For a violation of the Policy to occur, such aggression must be sufficiently severe or pervasive, and objectively offensive, that it creates a work, educational, or living environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive and denies the individual an equal opportunity to participate in the benefits of the workplace or the institution’s programs and activities. Unless sufficiently severe or pervasive, a single act typically would not constitute bullying.

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Bullying may include, but is not limited to, the following behaviors: 

• Abusive expression directed at an individual or individuals, such as derogatory remarks, epithets, or ad hominem attacks that are outside the range of commonly accepted expressions of disagreement, disapproval, or critique in an academic community and professional setting that respects free expression. The Policy encompasses abusive expression or ad hominem attacks that are verbal or nonverbal, spoken or written, recorded, visual, or digital, including content posted to online platforms, academic tools, or social media sites. Examples include: 

• Performance feedback delivered by yelling, screaming, making threats or gratuitous insults. 
• Deliberate and repeated humiliation. This could include actions such as deliberate and repeated shaming of peers on online platforms in response to ideas, beliefs, or opinions shared in the classroom. 
• Malicious comments about a person’s appearance, lifestyle, family, or culture.  Unwarranted physical contact or intimidating gestures directed at an individual or individuals.