Definitions
The following general definitions are provided to promote a general understanding of these important concepts. College policies may include more detailed definitions of some of these concepts. Those policy definitions will govern when any policy is implemented or enforced.
Bias incident
A communication or action that is stereotypical, exclusionary, mocking, degrading, or invalidating, and usually related to actual or perceived affiliation to what are classified by law as protected classes, as well as other traits. Bias incidents may not constitute a violation of law or College policy, but may, nevertheless, have a significant negative effect on members of the campus community.
Discrimination
Differential treatment of people based upon their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other trait protected by law. Certain forms of discrimination are prohibited by federal and state law. The College prohibits illegal discrimination, as well as other forms of discrimination that violate its policies.
Harassment
Unwelcome and offensive conduct that is based on the actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other protected trait. Certain forms of harassment are prohibited by federal and state law. The College prohibits illegal harassment, as well as other forms of harassment that violate its policies.
Harassment may also constitute a criminal offense when there is a course of conduct or repeated acts that serve no legitimate purpose and are intended to harass, annoy, or alarm another person.
Hate Crime
A crime, often involving violence or a threat of violence, that is motivated by bias against individuals or groups based on their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability or other protected trait. A hate crime often involves violence or the threat of violence.
Hate Speech
Any form of expression through which speakers intend to denigrate, vilify, or incite hatred against a group or a class of persons based on their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual identity, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, or other protected trait, without inciting violence or creating a clear and present danger. In some contexts, hate speech may be protected by principles of free expression.
Title VI
A federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin by entities that receive federal funding. Title VI was adopted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Title VII
A federal law that prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy) or national origin. Title VII was adopted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Title IX
A federal law the prohibits sex-based discrimination by any educational program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. The law requires institutions to have a policy that outlines its response to reports of certain forms of sexual harassment or sexual violence. Title IX was adopted as part of the 1972 Federal Education Amendments.