What is the definition of unwelcome conduct that creates an intimidating or hostile environment?

The definition of unwelcome conduct that creates an intimidating or hostile environment is characterized as harassment. Harassment involves actions or behaviors that are unwanted and can result in a person feeling uncomfortable, threatened, or unsafe. This conduct can take many forms, including verbal, physical, or written communication, which negatively impacts an individual's ability to work, study, or participate in activities.

Harassment is specifically focused on the nature of the conduct being unwelcome and how it affects the environment around the individual. When such conduct is persistent or severe enough to create a hostile atmosphere, it is defined as harassment, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment in any organization, including the Civil Air Patrol.

In contrast, the other terms, while related to negative behavior, do not capture the comprehensive definition of conduct that contributes to an intimidating or hostile environment in the same way as harassment does. Assault involves physical attacks or threats of violence, bullying typically implies a repeated pattern of aggressive behavior intended to harm or intimidate, and prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes towards individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, or religion, without necessarily involving unwelcome conduct.