Harassment Policy Guidance
Colorado State University is committed to fostering a learning, working, and living environment in which all members of our community are treated with dignity and respect. CSU policies prohibit discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics, including religion, race, color, national origin, ancestry, and other protected statuses under applicable law and university policy.
These protections apply to individuals of all religious backgrounds and identities, as well as those who do not identify with a religious tradition. CSU recognizes that antisemitism, anti-Islamic harassment, and other forms of religious, ethnic, racial, or identity-based bias can harm individuals and communities and, in some circumstances, may constitute discrimination or harassment prohibited by University policy.
Conduct directed at an individual or group because of an actual or perceived protected characteristic may be discriminatory or harassing when it includes behaviors such as:
- Slurs, epithets, or derogatory stereotypes;
- Harassment based on a person’s appearance, including characteristics associated with racial, ethnic, cultural, or religious identity;
- Harassment based on a person’s name, accent, language, or other characteristics associated with national origin, ethnicity, or ancestry;
- Threats, intimidation, vandalism, or other conduct directed at individuals, groups, community organizations, religious institutions, or property because of an actual or perceived protected characteristic.
Such conduct is inconsistent with CSU’s Principles of Community and values. When behavior is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or otherwise meets applicable university standards for discrimination or harassment, it may violate university policy and will be addressed through appropriate university processes.
At the same time, CSU is required to protect freedom of expression and academic freedom. The university values the open exchange of ideas and recognizes that community members may encounter speech, viewpoints, or expression that they find offensive, disagreeable, or deeply upsetting. Constitutionally protected speech does not lose its protection because it is controversial or unpopular.
When expression does not violate university policy but nevertheless causes harm or concern within the campus community, CSU encourages respectful dialogue, education, and engagement that promote understanding, civil discourse, and mutual respect.
CSU remains committed both to protecting individuals from discrimination and harassment and to safeguarding the rights of community members to engage in constitutionally protected expression.
Individuals who experience or witness discrimination or harassment are encouraged to contact the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). OEO serves as CSU’s central resource for addressing concerns involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and can provide information about reporting options, supportive measures, available resources, and applicable university processes.