Hazing is a conduct or a method of initiation into any group (house, team, club,
etc) which endangers the physical or mental health of any person, regardless of consent of
the individuals involved. Hazing is predicated on inclusion and can sometimes be overlooked
because it can appear as neither particularly aggressive, nor as intended to harm.
Harassment:
A form of discrimination involving unacceptable behavior that leverages an aspect of an
individual's identity to demean or otherwise diminish one's personhood. Harassment is an
umbrella term that encompasses stalking, bullying and other unkind behavior.
Bullying:
Bullying involves a single significant incident or a pattern of incidents which may include
written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any
combination, directed at another person which causes harm, emotional distress or
interferes with access to education. Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that occurs through
the use of technology or electronic devices.
* Legal definition may vary
Discrimination:
Conduct or behavior which relates to a protected class such as race or gender identity that
creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Microaggression:
Microaggressions are subtle or commonplace offensive comments or actions, intentional or
unintentional, directed at an individual or group, often those who may be culturally
marginalized, which reinforce a stereotype or are otherwise hostile, derogatory or negative.
* Legal definition may vary
Sexual Harassment:
Sexual Harassment is an umbrella category that includes a constellation of conduct that may
involve unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other unwanted conduct of a
sexual nature. It can also include sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence and dating
abuse. Students who experience frequent or severe unwanted conduct of a sexual nature such
that it interferes with their growth, opportunities or academic progress may be experiencing
sexual harassment.
Sexual Assault:
Sexual Assault is having, or attempting to have, sexual contact with another individual
without their consent. Consent is a voluntary, unambiguous, fully informed agreement, given
freely and without coercion, to engage in sexual contact. In New Hampshire, a person under
the age of 16 cannot give consent to engage in acts involving sexual penetration.
Dating Abuse:
Dating abuse is a pattern of behaviors one person uses to gain and maintain power and control
over their partner. Dating abuse can include emotional and verbal abuse, abuse through
digital media, stalking, threats to harm self or others, and sexual exploitation.