University Policy 209: Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination

Relevant Excerpt

“Bullying” means unwanted offensive and malicious behavior which undermines an individual or group through persistently negative attacks. There is typically an element of vindictiveness and the behavior is calculated to undermine, patronize, humiliate, intimidate, or demean the recipient. The behavior typically is severe or pervasive and persistent, creating a hostile work environment.

“Cyber-Bullying” means using technology to intentionally harm others through hostile behavior, as well as threatening, disrespectful, demeaning, or intimidating messages. This is bullying that occurs via the Internet, cell phones, or other electronic devices (e-mails, IMs, text messages, blogs, pictures, videos, postings on social media, etc.).

...

“Harassment” means verbal or physical conduct that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates an intimidating or hostile work or educational environment.

“Hostile Environment” exists when the sexual or gender harassment or discrimination is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with, limits, or deprives an individual from participating in or benefitting from the University’s education or employment programs and/or activities. Conduct must be severe, persistent, or pervasive from both a subjective and an objective perspective.