Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation: Harassment

Relevant Excerpt

Prohibited harassment is defined as conduct based on a protected characteristic (or based on a perception that an individual has the protected characteristics or associates with others who have, or are perceived to have, the protected characteristic) which is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive to alter or interfere with an individual’s work or academic performance, or which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work, educational, or living environment.

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Conduct alleged to constitute harassment will be evaluated according to the objective standard of a reasonable person.  Thus, conduct that is objectionable to some, but that is not severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create an objectively intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, is beyond the purview of this Policy.

Harassment can take many forms and will vary with the particular circumstances.  Examples of harassment prohibited by this Policy may include, without limitation: (1) verbal conduct, such as epithets, derogatory jokes or comments, or slurs directed at an individual or group of individuals because of a protected characteristic; (2) visual displays, such as derogatory posters, photography, cartoons, or drawings not protected by policies on academic freedom and freedom of expression which ridicule or demean an individual on the basis of a protected classification; and/or (3) physical conduct, including unnecessary and unwanted touching and intentionally blocking normal movement.  Generally, statements and/or conduct legitimately and reasonably related to the College’s mission of education do not constitute harassment.