The University has appointed Harassment Advisers who can give you an opportunity to express your feelings and offer guidance on what action to take and advise on professional support. Whilst differences of attitude, background or culture and the misinterpretation of social signals can mean that what is perceived as harassment by one person may not seem so to another nevertheless this does not make it acceptable. The defining features are that the behaviour appears or feels offensive or intimidating to the recipient and would be so regarded by any reasonable person. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be admitted as an excuse for harassment. Some general examples of harassment might include persistent teasing, comments about personal characteristics or appearance or constant unreasonable criticism.
Important examples are sexual harassment, racial harassment and bullying.
Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is, legally, a form of sex discrimination. Sexual harassment often, though not always, arises between people of unequal status. Any act of harassment will be regarded by the University as more serious if it involves the abuse of a position of authority or trust. Racial Harassment Racial harassment is, legally, a form of race discrimination. The University takes racial harassment to include a hostile or offensive act or expression by a person or group against another person or group on grounds of racial or ethnic origin, or incitement to commit such an act on racial grounds.