What is "harassment" as it pertains to the Army Equal Opportunity Program?

Harassment, in the context of the Army Equal Opportunity Program, is specifically defined as unwelcome conduct based on a protected category that creates a hostile environment. This definition emphasizes the negative impact that such conduct can have on individuals, particularly in terms of their ability to work effectively and feel safe in their environment.

When behavior is considered harassing, it is not just about the nature of the actions or comments themselves but also about their effect on the targeted individual. Such behavior can undermine morale, cohesion, and mission effectiveness by creating a workplace that is intimidating, hostile, or abusive. The protected categories referenced typically include factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and sexual orientation, among others. The focus on unwelcome conduct underscores that the intent behind the actions may not matter if the result is a negative impact on someone's work environment.

In contrast, the other options describe positive behaviors that promote teamwork, competition, and cohesion, which do not align with the definition of harassment. These positive actions can enhance the working environment, unlike harassment, which detracts from it.