Policies and Definitions
DEFINITIONS
Act of Bias. Behavior that is motivated by bias against or hatred toward other individuals or groups based on actual or perceived age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information or political ideas (as defined by AD91).
- Discrimination. Conduct of any nature that denies an individual the opportunity to participate in or benefit from a University program or activity, or otherwise adversely affects a term or condition of an individual’s employment, education, or living environment, because of the individual’s actual or perceived age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information or political ideas (as defined by AD91).
- Harassment. Behavior consisting of physical or verbal conduct, including Acts of Bias, that is sufficiently severe or pervasive such that it substantially interferes with an individual’s employment, education or access to University programs, activities or opportunities and would detrimentally affect a reasonable person under the same circumstances. Harassment may include, but is not limited to, verbal or physical attacks, graphic or written statements, threats, or the use of slurs or other derogatory language/statements in reference to others. Whether the alleged conduct constitutes prohibited harassment depends on the totality of the particular 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. Harassment also includes conduct, excluding conduct of a physical or sexual nature, which occurs within a romantic or intimate relationship when it would have the effect on a reasonable person of creating fear, isolation, or unreasonable power or control over access to resources, education, or work (as defined by AD91).
- Retaliation. Any adverse action taken by a member of the University faculty, staff, or student body against any individual on the basis of a Good Faith Report made by such individual, or on the basis of such individual’s participation in an investigation, hearing, or inquiry by the University or an Appropriate Authority, or participation in a court proceeding relating to suspected Wrongful Conduct at the University. Retaliation shall include, but not be limited to, harassment, discrimination, threats of physical harm, job termination, punitive work schedule or research assignments, decrease in pay or responsibilities, or negative impact on academic progress (as defined by AD67).
- Act of intolerance. Conduct that is in violation of a University policy, rule or regulation and is motivated by discriminatory bias against or hatred toward other individuals or groups based on characteristics such as age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, genetic information, national origin, political belief, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation gender identity or veteran status (as defined by AD29).
RELATED POLICIES
AD29 Statement on Intolerance
AD67 Disclosure of Wrongful Conduct and Protection from Retaliation
AD84 Chosen Identity (Formerly Preferred Name and Gender Identity)
AD85 Title IX Sexual Harassment
AD91 Discrimination and Harassment and Related Inappropriate Conduct