6A-19.008. Educational and Work Environment  


Effective on Monday, March 11, 1985
  • 1It is the policy of the State of Florida, and institutions have an affirmative duty, to create an educational and work environment free of harassment on the basis of race, sex, national origin or handicap. An institution is responsible for all acts of harassment regardless whether the institution knew or should have known of the acts if the harassment is committed by a person in a position of authority. If, however, the harassment is between fellow employees, fellow students or by nonemployees, an institution is only responsible if it knew or should have known of the harassment and failed to take corrective action. Harassment includes:

    106(1) Any slurs, innuendos or other verbal or physical conduct reflecting on an individual’s race, ethnic background, gender or handicapping condition which has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational or work environment; has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual’s work or school performance or participation; or otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment or educational opportunities.

    171(2) The denial of or the provision of aid, benefits, grades, rewards, employment, faculty assistance, services, or treatment on the basis of sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.

    200(3) Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or educational career; submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for educational or employment decisions affecting the individual; or such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational environment.

    288Rulemaking Authority 2901000.05(5), 2911001.02(1) FS. 293Law Implemented 2951000.05(2), 2961001.02(1), 2971004.65(2) FS. 299History–New 3-11-85, Formerly 6A-19.08.