University Policies: Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct
University of Chicago
Relevant Excerpt
Unlawful harassment is a form of discrimination and violates University鈥檚 principles and the law. Unlawful harassment is:
- Verbal or physical conduct or conduct using technology that is so severe or pervasive,
- That targets individual(s) based on the actual or perceived protected identity characteristics listed above,
- Such that it has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual鈥檚 work performance or educational program participation, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.
A person鈥檚 subjective belief that behavior is intimidating, hostile, or offensive does not make that behavior harassment. The behavior must be objectively unreasonable. Expression occurring in an academic, educational, or research context is considered a special case and is broadly protected by academic freedom. Such expression will not constitute harassment unless (in addition to satisfying the above definition) it is targeted at a specific person or persons, is abusive, and serves no bona fide academic purpose.