Hostile Work Environment

In the workplace, hostile work environment harassment takes place when speech or conduct of a sexual nature is so "severe, persistent or pervasive" that it interferes with the victim's work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.

For Renton Techical College students, this type of sexual harassment occurs when a student's or faculty/staff member's speech or conduct is sexual in nature and is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it limits a student's ability to participate in or benefit from an educational activity or program, or creates a hostile or abusive educational environment.

• Note that speech of a sexual nature may be appropriate within the context of some courses, for example a Human Sexuality course.

Hostile work environment harassment may also include intimidating or harassing conduct of a non-sexual nature that is directed at an individual (or group of individuals) because of his/her/their gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

A hostile work environment can also occur when a student's speech or conduct is sexual in nature and is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it interferes with a faculty member's work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.