Discrimination

Discrimination based on factors irrelevant to admission, employment, or program participation violates the University's principles. In keeping with its long-standing traditions and policies, the University of Chicago considers students, employees, applicants for admission or employment, and those seeking access to programs on the basis of individual merit. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, veteran status, disability, or other protected classes under the law. Such discrimination is unlawful.

Unlawful Harassment

Unlawful harassment based on one of the factors listed above is verbal or physical conduct that is so severe or pervasive that it has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or educational program participation, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or sexually directed remarks or behavior constitute sexual harassment when:

1. submission to or rejection of such conduct is made, explicitly or implicitly, a basis for an academic or employment decision, or a term or condition of either; or
2. such conduct directed against an individual persists despite its rejection.

Objective Unreasonableness

A person's subjective belief that behavior is offensive, intimidating or hostile does not make that behavior unlawful harassment. The behavior must be objectively unreasonable.

Retaliation

No one at the University may reprimand, discriminate or otherwise retaliate against an individual for having initiated an inquiry or complaint in good faith.

Academic Freedom

Expression occurring in an academic, educational or research context is considered as a special case and is broadly protected by academic freedom. Such expression will not constitute unlawful harassment unless it also is targeted at a specific person or persons, is abusive, and serves no bona fide academic purpose.

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