§ 154-463. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Color means a person being of one of the following skin colors: black, brown, red, yellow or white.

Ethnic group means a group of persons of the same race or national origin who share common or similar traits, languages, customs and traditions including but not limited to black, white, Asian, Arab, Hispanic, Native American or other racial/ethnic/national groups.

Prejudice means a negative or hostile attitude toward a person or group formed without just or sufficient knowledge and based on negative stereotypes.

Prejudicial acts means any action designed to frighten, harm, injure, intimidate or harass an individual, in whole or in part, because of a bias motivation against the actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, ethnic background or sexual orientation of the victim.

Prejudicial incident means any act, whether consisting of conduct, speech or expression, to which prejudicial motive is evident as a contributing factor, without regard for whether the act constitutes mistreatment or abuse of employees, coworkers or citizens.

Prejudicial motive means hatred, hostility or negative attitudes toward, or prejudice against, any group or individual on account of citizenship, race, religion, ethnicity/national origin, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation which is a contributing factor, in whole or in part, in the commission of a bias act. A bias motive can be inferred from the presence of one or more bias indicators. A bias motive may also be inferred from an intent to interfere with, disrupt or deprive another person of his or her civil or constitutional rights by threats, intimidation, harassment or coercion. The specific forms of prejudicial acts covered by the harassment policy.

Race means a group of persons who possess common physical characteristics (e.g., color of skin, eyes and/or hair, facial features, etc.) ethically transmitted by descent and heredity that distinguish them as a distinct division of humankind (e.g., Asians, blacks, whites, etc.).

Religious group means any group of persons who share the same religious beliefs regarding the origin and purpose of the universe and the existence or nonexistence of a supreme being, including but not limited to Catholics, Jews, Protestants, Islamic, Moslem, other religions and atheists.

Sexual orientation means a sexual attraction toward, and responsiveness to, members of one's own sex or members of the opposite sex, e.g., gays, lesbians, heterosexuals, etc.

(100-38, 7-10-96)

Cross reference

Definitions generally, § 101-2.