Can discrimination or harassment happen to you?

Discrimination or harassment can occur in a variety of relationships, including faculty- student, supervisor-employee, student-student, employee-employee, and other relationships with persons having business with or visiting the campus. 

Sometimes comments or actions that constitute discrimination or harassment are intended to be humorous or to express familiarity. This doesn't excuse the behavior or the need to address it. However, not every act that may be offensive to an individual or group constitutes discrimination or harassment. 

Harassment includes action beyond the mere expression of views, words, symbols or thoughts that another individual finds offensive. To constitute a violation of University policy, the conduct must be considered serious enough to deny or limit a student's or employee's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by Southwest Minnesota State University.