Protected Characteristics and Examples of Prohibited Conduct

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In this section, we explore what these protected characteristics mean and discuss how discriminatory attitudes and behaviors can manifest. For example, antisemitism may appear through harmful stereotypes, exclusionary practices, or overt hostility toward Jewish individuals or individuals perceived to be Jewish, while Islamophobia involves prejudice and bias that unfairly targets those of the Muslim faith or those perceived to be of the Muslim faith. By understanding these legal protections and the specific challenges posed by biases like antisemitism and Islamophobia, we can work together to create an environment that upholds the rights and dignity of every person.

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Examples of Prohibited Conduct

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• Antisemitism is a form of discrimination or harassment that is based on one’s religion (Judaism) and/or national origin (e.g., an individual from a Jewish-majority country). Antisemitic conduct implicates the Policy and can manifest in the Tulane environment in many ways. Examples of antisemitic conduct that implicates this Policy include:
  • Repeated instances of antisemitic slurs directed toward an individual, regardless of whether that individual is Jewish.
  • Refusing to allow an individual to participate in any program sponsored or hosted by Tulane because they are perceived to be from Israel, are associated with a Jewish organization, wear religious attire, like a kippah, or display a religious symbol associated with Judaism, like a Star of David.
  • Defacing a Jewish employee’s or student’s property with a hateful symbol such as a swastika.
  • Using force or intimidation to obstruct the path of an employee or student because they are Jewish, perceived to be Jewish, or supportive of Jewish institutions or organizations.
  • Refusing to grant a student some expected benefit, such as a letter of recommendation, based on the perception that the student is Jewish, is associated with a Jewish organization, or because that student is perceived to be from Israel and/or is Zionist.
  • Making dehumanizing and/or stereotypical comments about Jewish employees or students.
• Islamophobia is a form of discrimination or harassment that is based on one’s religion (Islam) and/or national origin (e.g., an individual from a Muslim-majority country). Islamophobia's conduct implicates the Policy and can manifest in the Tulane environment in several ways. Examples of Islamophobic conduct that implicates the Policy include: 
  • Repeatedly referring to a Muslim individual or someone perceived to be a Muslim as a “terrorist".
  • Refusing to allow an individual to participate in any program sponsored or hosted by Tulane because they are perceived to be Muslim - like a Sikh person wearing a turban - or from a Muslim-majority country and are associated with a Muslim organization, wears religious attire, like a hijab, or displays a religious symbol associated with Islam, like the Crescent and Star. 
  • Removing a student from a Tulane program or activity based on the perception that the student is Muslim or perceived to be Muslim or is associated with a Muslim organization.
  • Refusing professional or learning opportunities because an individual wears a hijab to work or in the classroom.
  • Physically threatening an individual for wearing a religious symbol associated with Islam or a national symbol like a keffiyeh.