How does the UT Arlington policy define discrimination and harassment?
Pursuant to UT Arlington Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP) EI-PO4:
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the university community. In accordance with federal and state law, the university prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, and veteran status. Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment in any form will not be tolerated and individuals who engage in such conduct will be subject to disciplinary action. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is also prohibited pursuant to university policy.
Discrimination, including harassment, is defined as conduct directed at a specific individual or a group of identifiable individuals that subjects the individual or group to treatment that adversely affects their employment or education on account of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Harassment, as a form of discrimination, is defined as verbal or physical conduct that is directed at an individual or group because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status or sexual orientation when such conduct is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's or group's academic or work performance; or of creating a hostile academic or work environment. Constitutionally protected expression cannot be considered harassment under this policy.
What is harassment? How is discrimination related to harassment?
Harassment is a form of discrimination. Harassment is verbal or physical conduct directed at an individual (or group) because of his/her protected class when the conduct is sufficiently severe and pervasive to interfere with the individuals academic or work performance or to create a hostile academic or work environment.
Under university policy, constitutionally protected expression cannot be considered harassment.
Who is protected by discrimination and harassment?
UT Arlington policy: EEO Laws & Policies and its Complaint Procedure Process apply to all university administrators, faculty, staff, students, visitors and applicants for employment or admission.
What can happen, if there is a complaint filed against me?
The Office of Title IX and Discrimination Complaints will contact inform the responding party of the complaint and the university's complaint resolution options and process. The responding party will be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations contained in the complaint. A fair and impartial investigation will be conducted by the investigators as designated by the university policy towards resolution and/or discipline.
