Hank, a science professor, attends a cultural sharing and team-building event for university faculty, during which he reveals that he is a practicing Muslim. Shortly after, the head of the science department begins asking Hank many questions about his ability to separate his beliefs from his teaching material. The department head requests that the university revoke Hank's access to the chemical research labs because "Hank's extreme beliefs create a liability for the school if he has access to these dangerous substances." Hank files a Title VII suit claiming a hostile work environment on the basis of his religion. The next semester, the university cuts the funding for Hank's ongoing research project and informs him that he will be co-teaching one course, rather than his normal three courses. Has the university committed a violation beyond the potential hostile work environment?
a. No, because retaliation can occur only when an employer takes action after being found liable for another form of discrimination under Title VII, not while a case is still in progress.
b. No, if the university did not believe that Hank would be successful in his Title VII suit.
c. Yes, because an employer cannot modify the conditions of an employee's employment in any way while a Title VII case is pending.
d. Yes, because the university's actions towards Hank would deter a reasonable university employee from complaining about discrimination.