University of Maryland Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedures

Relevant Excerpt

“Discrimination” is unequal treatment based on a legally protected status that is sufficiently serious to unreasonably interfere with or limit an individual’s opportunity to participate in or benefit from a University program or activity, or that otherwise adversely affects a term or condition of the individual’s employment or education.

“Harassment” is a form of discrimination (as defined above) that encompasses unwelcome conduct based on a person’s protected status. Harassment is severe or pervasive conduct that negatively affects the particular individual and also would negatively affect a reasonable person under the same circumstances. Harassment in violation of this Policy depends on the totality of the circumstances, including the nature, frequency, and duration of the conduct in question, the location and context in which it occurs, and the status of the individuals involved. Harassing behaviors may include, but are not limited to, the following, when based on a person’s protected status and rises to the standard set forth above:

• conduct, whether verbal, physical, written, graphic, or electronic that threatens, intimidates, offends, belittles, denigrates, or shows an aversion toward an individual or group;
• epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping, jokes, or nicknames;
• written, printed, or graphic material that contains offensive, denigrating, or demeaning comments, or pictures; and
• the display of offensive, denigrating, or demeaning objects, e-mails, text messages, or cell phone pictures.