Statement of Policy
The University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from sex discrimination of any kind. In accordance with Title VII, Title IX, Violence against Women Act (VAWA), Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE), and other federal and state law, the University prohibits discrimination based on sex and other types of sexual misconduct. Sexual Misconduct is a broad term encompassing all forms of gender-based harassment or discrimination and unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature. The term includes sexual harassment, nonconsensual sexual contact, nonconsensual sexual intercourse, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, public indecency, interpersonal violence, sexual violence, and any other misconduct based on sex. Any acts that fall within the scope of this policy hereinafter are referred to as sexual misconduct. Refer to HSC OP 51.02 and HSC OP 51.03 for further information and direction on Title IX and equal employment concerns.
This policy applies to all University students and employees, visitors, applicants for admission to or employment with the University, as well as University affiliates and others conducting business on campus. This policy will apply to on-campus and off-campus conduct of which the University is made aware and which adversely impacts the educational and employment environments of the University. The University will take all reasonable steps to prevent recurrence of any sexual misconduct and remedy discriminatory effects on the Reporting Party and others, if appropriate.
All complaint investigations and procedures will be non-adversarial in nature and will be conducted in a prompt, fair, and impartial manner. Investigations conducted under this policy are not criminal investigations. For all complaints under this policy, the burden of proof shall be a preponderance of the evidence, which means more likely than not.
The University expects all members of the university community to comply with the law. Members of the university community who violate these policies and laws may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, expulsion from the University, or being barred from University premises and events.
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