The Art Institute of Houston is committed to providing workplaces and learning environments that are free from harassment on the basis of any protected classification including, but not limited to race, sex, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or on any other basis protected by law. Such conduct is unprofessional, unproductive, illegal, and generally considered bad for business. Consequently, all conduct of this nature is expressly prohibited, regardless of whether it violates any law.

Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where:

a. Submission to such conduct is an explicit or implicit term or condition of a person's status in a course, program or activity or in admission, or in an academic decision;

b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for an academic decision; or

c. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.

Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: unwanted sexual advances; demands for sexual favors in exchange for favorable treatment; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; graphic commentary about an individual's body, sexual prowess, or sexual deficiencies; leering; whistling; touching; pinching; assault; coerced sexual acts; suggestive, insulting or obscene comments or gestures; stalking; and displaying sexually suggestible objects or pictures. EDMC prohibits all conduct of this nature whether or not such conduct violates any applicable laws.

Other Forms of Harassment
Verbal abuse, insulting comments and gestures, and other harassing conduct are also forbidden under this policy when directed at an individual because of his or her race, color, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, age, religion, ethnic origin, or disability. It is the responsibility of each employee and each student to conduct himself or herself in a professional manner at all times and to refrain from such harassment.

Complaint Procedure

Students who feel they have been harassed should follow the Student Grievance Procedure for Internal Complaints of harassment or discrimination. Promptly after learning of such alleged conduct, The Art Institute of Houston will conduct an investigation for the purpose of determining whether prohibited harassment has occurred. Efforts will be made to ensure confidentiality to the extent consistent with the goal of conducting an appropriate investigation. Students who initiate or participate in such investigations in good faith will be protected against school-related retaliation. If an investigation confirms the allegations, The Art Institute of Houston will take prompt corrective action, which may include discipline, up to and including immediate dismissal.