TAMIU Student Handbook 2019-2020

Page 33 of 86 truth before a hearing of the University and making false statements to any University official. Gambling. Gambling that is in violation of law. Identification. Failure to present identification upon the request of a University official or law enforcement officer. Harassment. Any unwelcome conduct by an individual(s) against another individual that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it alters the conditions of education or employment and creates an environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, which includes conduct based on actual or perceived status ( sex, gender identity, race, color, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or other protected status consistent with System Regulation 08.01). This behavior includes, but is not limited to, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, and coercion. In addition, harassment may be conducted by a variety of mediums, including but not limited to, physical, verbal, graphic, written, or electronic. Hazing. Any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property; and/or assisting, directing, or in any way causing others to participate in degrading behavior and/or behavior that causes ridicule, humiliation, or embarrassment; and/or engaging in conduct which tends to bring the reputation of the organization, group, or University into disrepute for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization; or as part of any activity of a recognized student organization, student group, or special groups. Previously relied upon “traditions,” (including fraternity/sorority, or any other group or organization activity, practice or tradition) intent of such acts, or coercion by current or former student leaders of such groups, or former students will not suffice as a justifiable reason for participation in such acts. It is not a defense that the person (or group) against whom the hazing was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the behavior in question. Refer to Sect. 3.17 Hazing for examples. Hazing is also a violation of Texas State Law (See the Sec. 2 Ch. 4, Education Code ). Hostile Environment. A situation in which there is harassing conduct based on a legally protected status that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive to create a work or educational environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating or abusive. The determination of whether an environment is “hostile” must be based on all of the circumstances, which may include the frequency of the conduct, the nature and severity of the conduct, whether the conduct was physically threatening or humiliating, and the mental or emotional effect of the conduct on the individual subjected to the alleged illegal