Inappropriate conduct toward others is any physical, verbal, or visual conduct based on or because of any of the protected characteristics described in this policy, when such conduct reasonably would be considered inappropriate for the workplace.
This provision is intended to stop inappropriate conduct based on a protected characteristic before it becomes discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, or harassment under this policy. As such, the conduct need not meet legally actionable state and/or federal standards to violate this policy. An isolated derogatory comment, joke, racial slur, sexual innuendo, etc., may constitute conduct that violates this policy and be grounds for discipline. Similarly, the conduct need not be unwelcome to the party against whom it is directed; if the conduct reasonably would be considered inappropriate by the Department for the workplace, it will violate this policy.