SAM 01.D.07 - Anti-Discrimination Policy
University of Houston-Downtown
Relevant Excerpt
Subjecting an individual on the basis of their membership in a Protected Class to unlawful severe, pervasive, or persistent treatment that is: • Humiliating, abusive, or threatening conduct or behavior that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group; • An intimidating, hostile or abusive learning, living or working environment, or an environment that alters the conditions of learning, living or working; or • An unreasonable interference with an individual’s academic or work performance. For examples of Harassment, see Section 5.
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Discrimination and Harassment are violations of this Policy and will not be tolerated. The University prohibits Discrimination and Harassment against any Member of the University Community based on their membership in a Protected Class.
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Examples of Harassment include, but are not limited to: epithets or slurs, negative stereotyping, threatening, intimidating or hostile acts, denigrating jokes and display or circulation (including through e-mail or virtual platforms) of written or graphic material in the learning, living, or working environment.
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Minor verbal and nonverbal slights, snubs, annoyances, insults or isolated incidents including, but not limited to microaggressions, are not sufficient to establish Discrimination or Harassment. However, if such incidents keep happening over time and are targeting a Protected Class, they can constitute Discrimination or Harassment in violation of this Policy. General concerns of unprofessionalism should be addressed per normal departmental operating procedures. The Equal Opportunity office may refer concerns of general professionalism back to the supervisor(s) to review and address as appropriate.