Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment

Relevant Excerpt

The University of Illinois will not engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of the following protected categories: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal, state, and applicable local nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations. In furtherance of the University’s commitment to the principles of equality and equal opportunity for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, this policy and the associated procedures are established to provide a means to address complaints of discrimination or harassment based on the protected categories.

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A hostile environment is defined as an environment on campus that, through harassing conduct (e.g., physical, verbal, graphic, or written) based on a person’s protected status (e.g., sexual identity, race, color, age, status as a person with a disability, and other attributes protected by law) becomes sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to interfere with or limit the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit from a University program or activity. Whether the harassing conduct is considered severe, persistent or pervasive depends upon the context in which the behavior occurred, on a case by case basis. The University prohibits such harassing behavior on its campus, and by any person, while engaged in University business, whether on or off-campus.