Report Hate and Bias: Definitions

Relevant Excerpt

UC Davis is committed to assuring that all people may exercise the constitutionally protected rights of free expression, speech, assembly and worship. Some acts of hate or bias may not violate law or policy and may, in fact, be protected expressions of speech. Protecting freedom of expression, including controversial speech, and sometimes even offensive or hurtful words, is vital to our commitment to teaching and learning. While our policies do not prohibit such speech, the University encourages all members of the community to engage in respectful dialogue and to observe the Principles of Community. For more information please visit the Student Expression website.

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Harassment - Students

Harassment is defined as conduct that is so severe and/or pervasive, and objectively offensive, and that so substantially impairs a person’s access to University programs or activities that the person is effectively denied equal access to the University’s resources and opportunities.

The conduct is motivated on the basis of a person's race, color, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identify, pregnancy, marital status, ancestry, service in the uniformed services, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ender, gender expression, and genetic information (including family medical history) or perceived membership in any of these classifications.

Examples may include name calling, teasing, or making other derogatory remarks based on a person’s real or perceived gender identity (or other protected category); repeatedly sending unwelcome e-mails, text messages, or photos of a sexual nature; or a display of racially charged images, such as nooses and Confederate flags.

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A hate or bias incident includes non-criminal conduct that is motivated by hatred or bigotry and directed at any individual, residence, house of worship, institution, or business expressly because of the target’s real or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services. Such incidents also include conduct directed against an individual or group because of their association with or advocacy on behalf of a member or members of a legally protected class.

Examples include hate speech, treating someone differently in the work or learning environment because of that person’s legally protected characteristic, displaying offensive materials on one's property, distributing hate materials in public places and posting hate materials even if there is no resulting property damage.

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If you experience or witness an incident of hate or bias or discrimination or harassment, please report it.