code of conduct
Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for employees and Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments for students. Whether it occurs in individual relationships or in the classroom, such behavior is unacceptable and violates University policy.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature:
- When submission to such conduct is made a condition of an individual’s academic standing or employment;
- When submission or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for decisions affecting an individual’s academic standing or employment;
- Where such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance on the job or in the classroom, or creating an intimidating, hostile, abusive, demeaning or offensive academic, living or working environment.
If you feel you have been the victim of sexual harassment, you have the right to initiate a complaint. Those accused of sexual harassment have the right to defend themselves. Efforts will be made to maintain the confidentiality of both the accuser and the accused and to resolve the dispute in a timely fashion while maintaining elements of a fair process, including the right of the accused to be informed of the identity of the accuser at the earliest appropriate point in the process.
Procedures for informal resolution of complaints and for formal grievances are contained in the University’s Affirmative Action Policies and Procedures. Complainants are encouraged to work with the University’s grievance policy and procedures before involving an outside agency. The University reserves the right to investigate serious allegations in the absence of formal complaints and to take appropriate action.
Any disciplinary action requires a fair process and consistency with other University policies. Retaliation for bringing complaints is prohibited and also violates University policy. If the complaint is unusually serious or there is a clear and present danger of retaliation, the University has the right to act to separate the parties.