University Policy 53: Unlawful Discrimination
Western Carolina University
Relevant Excerpt
鈥淗ostile Environment鈥 occurs when one experiences unlawful distinction, preference, or harm as compared to others based on that individual鈥檚 Protected Status and that it is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive enough to unreasonably interfere with deny or limit: 1) an employee鈥檚 or applicant for employment鈥檚 access to employment or conditions and benefits of employment (e.g., hiring, advancement, assignment); 2) a student鈥檚 or admission applicant鈥檚 ability to participate in, access, or benefit from educational programs, services, or activities (e.g., admission, academic standing, grades, assignment, campus housing); or 3) an authorized agent鈥檚 ability to participate in an agent activity. A Hostile Environment is one that a reasonable person (objective standard) would find hostile or abusive and one that a complainant under this policy perceives to be hostile or abusive (subjective standard).