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Relevant Excerpt

The Code of Student Conduct defines a bias-related incident:

The term ‘bias related’ refers to language and/or behaviors which demonstrate bias against persons because of, but not limited to, others’ actual or perceived: color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, race, religion, and/ or sexual orientation.

By its very nature, bias will be deemed an aggravating circumstance to any violation of the Code of Student Conduct, regardless of its category. Consequently, bias-related violations will result in a more serious action up to, and including, permanent separation from the University.

Examples may include defacement of posters or signs, intimidating comments or messages, vandalism to personal or university property, or similar acts, if there is evidence that the target or victim was chosen because of a characteristic such as those listed above.

Please be aware, however, that just because the expression of an idea or point of view may be offensive or inflammatory to some, it is not necessarily a bias-related incident. The University values freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas and, in particular, the expression of controversial ideas and differing views is a vital part of the University discourse. While this value of openness protects controversial ideas, it does not protect harassment or expressions of bias or hate aimed at individuals that violate the Code of Student Conduct.