Whatever form the harassment or bullying takes, if it is unwelcome to the individual then the intentions of the perpetrator are irrelevant.
Harassment is related to protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act (2010). The protected characteristics are:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- pregnancy and maternity
- marriage and civil partnership
- race
- religion or belief
- sex and sexual orientation
Bullying is a form of harassment but does not need to be related to a protected characteristic.
Our full policy and procedure on dignity and respect for students and staff gives much more information on what harassment and bullying is and the rights and responsibilities of staff and students.