Definitions

Bias-related Incident

A bias-related incident refers to language, images or behaviors that demonstrate bias against another person based on his or her membership in a group, based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion. A bias incident can occur whether the act is intentional or unintentional, and may or may not be a legal act. 

Hate Crime 

In the state of Maryland, a hate crime is a criminal offense that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the perpetrator’s bias against the victim(s) based on their race, color, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or national origin, or because someone is homeless. 

Discrimination (click here to review policy 55) 

Conduct that denies any individual or group equal privileges or access to a particular activity or opportunity because of the individual’s or group’s actual or perceived age, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, ability (physical, psychological, cognitive), sex, gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, socio-economic class, race, religion, religious practice, sexual identity or veteran status.  

Harassment (click here to review policy 55) 

Unwelcome conduct based upon individuals’ or groups’ actual or perceived age, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, ability (physical, psychological, cognitive), sex, gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, socio-economic class, race, religion, religious practice, sexual identity or veteran status that unreasonably interferes with the person’s work or educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile work or educational environment. Examples may include, but are not limited to, epithets, images, slurs, jokes, electronic communication or other verbal, graphic or physical conduct.