Policy on Peer Harassment

Peer Harassment Statement

 The College community is dedicated not only to learning but also to the development of sensitive and responsible persons.  Because the College prepares individuals for participation in an increasingly diverse world and its institutions, the climate of college life must be one in which academic freedom prevails along with respect for and tolerance of cultural, ethnic and racial differences, religious preferences, sexual orientation, variations in age, and people with disabilities.

 Le Moyne College seeks to achieve these goals through educational programs and policies.  Harassment based on these differences is clearly in conflict with the general mission of the College and is strictly prohibited.  In addition, some forms of harassment may violate New York's criminal statutes and, depending on the situation, may violate other state and federal laws as well.

 Peer harassment includes verbal, physical or written abuse directed toward an individual or group on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religious preference, sexual orientation, age or disability.  This includes using remarks, language or illustrations that deprecate or offend a person based on his or her ethnic background, race, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability.  All are damaging.

 While some examples of harassment such as physical and verbal assaults are easily identified, more frequent and generalized instances such as blatant and subtle graffiti and insensitive use of language including epithets and "humor," often go unacknowledged.  All types of harassment based on individual differences are unacceptable.  Any member of the College community who feels he or she has been harassed should contact the student life office, the assistant academic vice president.