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The University is now closed for the Christmas break and will re-open on 6 January 2025. This site will not be monitored during this time.  Any reports will be reviewed and responded to after this date.

What are bullying and harassment? 

Bullying is repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical, verbal or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online. 

Legitimate, reasonable and constructive criticism of performance or behaviour, or reasonable instructions given to staff in the course of their employment, will not amount to bullying on their own. 

“Harassment” is unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual. 


Some forms of harassment are considered a Hate Crime. “Hate crime” is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice, based on a person's disability or perceived disability; race or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; or transgender identity or perceived transgender identity. 

You may be harassed even if you were not the intended "target". For example, you may be harassed by racist jokes about a different ethnic group if they create an offensive environment. 

Bullying and harassment are contrary to the Equality Act 2010  and the AUB Equality and Diversity commitment. It is also a breach of the AUB Student Code of Conduct, and the Dignity at Work policy. 
Find out more 

·       Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) provide further information on unlawful harassment 

 
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