| Term | Definition | |
| DoD civilian employee | Individuals appointed in the civil service by a DoD Component. Generally, contractors are not considered DoD civilian employees. | |
| harassment | Behavior that is unwelcome or offensive to a reasonable person and that creates conditions that interfere with work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. | |
| hazing | A form of harassment that involves conduct, without a proper governmental purpose but with a nexus to employment, intended to physically or psychologically injure or create a risk of physical or psychological injury to a person for the purpose of: initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, change in status or position within, or a condition for continued membership in any military or DoD organization. Hazing does not include a properly directed command or organizational activities that serve a proper military or other governmental purpose. Hazing can be conducted through the use of electronic devices or communications, and by other means including social media, as well as in person. Hazing is evaluated by a reasonable person standard and includes, but is not limited to, the following when performed without a proper military or other
governmental purpose: Any form of initiation or congratulatory act that involves physically striking another person in any manner, or threatening to do the same. Oral or written berating (including electronic medium) of another person with the purpose of belittling or humiliating. Encouraging or coercing another person to engage in demeaning, illegal, harmful, or dangerous acts. Playing abusive or malicious tricks. Piercing, branding, handcuffing, duct taping, tattooing, shaving, greasing, or painting another person. Subjecting another person to excessive or abusive use of water. Forcing another person to consume food, alcohol, drugs, or any other substance. Soliciting, coercing, or knowingly permitting another person to solicit or coerce acts of hazing. | |
