Harassment

Harassment based upon race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, political affiliation, age, disability, or veteran status is a form of discrimination in violation of federal and/or state law and Appalachian State University Policy Prohibiting Harassment; therefore, harassment will not be tolerated. Further, it is the internal policy of Appalachian State University to prohibit harassment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Finally, because retaliation against a person who opposes or complains about harassment violates federal and state law and/or Appalachian State University policy, retaliation will not be tolerated.

Definitions of Harassment:

Impermissible harassment is defined as unwelcome or unsolicited speech or conduct based upon race, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, national origin, age, color, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, disability or veteran status, that creates a hostile environment or circumstances involving quid pro quo.

Some examples of workplace harassment may include:

  • avoiding or excluding someone due to race, age, sex, religion, etc.; 
  • verbal insults or degrading remarks; 
  • unwelcome jokes about disability, race, sex, etc.;
  • offensive physical contact or coercive behavior which is intended to be derogatory or intimidating;
  • unwanted touching, patting, or lewd physical conduct.
  • insulting or threatening gestures; 
  • unjustified and unnecessary comments about a person's work or capacity for work;
  • phone calls, letters or messages of any kind which are threatening, abusive or offensive; 
  • persistent following or stalking within or to and from the workplace; 
  • dismissive treatment or material expressing prejudice or stereotypical behavior;
  • the continual exclusion of a person or group from normal conversations, work assignments, work related social activities and networks in the workplace; 
  • sexual or racial banter, crude conversation, innuendo and offensive jokes, and discriminatory use of management/supervisory power; 
  • supervisor-promised promotion if employee agrees to a sexual relationship; and
  • pictures, posters, graffiti or written materials which are offensive or obscene.

This form of discrimination may be inadvertent or intentional, and it can be obvious or subtle; regardless, it is unacceptable at Appalachian and, in many cases, is against the law.

ASU Policies and Procedures Related to Workplace Harassment

Workplace Harassment Related Sites

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