Code of Student Conduct: Harassment, Threats, Bullying, or Intimidation

Relevant Excerpt

Section Two: Prohibited Conduct

A. Behavior that violates respect for people

1. Bullying: Behavior (spoken, written, physical, or digital) that is directed at another person or group and is repeated or severe and is intended to seriously harm, intimidate, or control another person, or that causes significant emotional or physical distress. Bullying does not include speech or conduct that is protected by the First Amendment, such as the expression of unpopular opinions or respectful debate. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Repeated insults or name-calling intended to embarrass or threaten another student
• Posting harmful or harassing content about someone online
• Encouraging others to isolate or exclude someone from campus activities
• Physically intimidating or interfering with someone's ability to attend class or participate in university life 

3. Discriminatory Harassment (Hostile Environment Harassment): Unwelcome conduct directed at a particular person(s) on the basis of actual or perceived protected characteristic(s), that based on the totality of the circumstances, is objectively offensive, and is so severe or pervasive, that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from WCU’s educational programs or activities.