TheUniversityofCincinnati(“UC”orthe“University”)iscommittedtoprovidingaliving,learning,andworkingenvironmentthatisequitable,inclusive,andfreefromdiscrimination,harassment,andretaliation.TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972isafederallawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofsexineducationprogramsoractivitiesthatreceivefederalfinancialassistance.Consistentwithfederal,state,andlocallawsandregulations,theUniversityprohibitsdiscriminationandharassmentonthebasisofsex,initsacademic,admissions,educationandemploymentprogramsandactivities.Seealso,UniversityNoticeofNon-Discrimination.
ThisPolicyappliestoUniversityemployees,students,volunteers,applicants,andotherthirdpartiesasdefinedherein.ThisPolicyservestoprovidenoticeandinformationregardingtheUniversity’spoliciesandproceduresrelatedtosexualharassmentandretaliation.
WhentheUniversityhasactualknowledgeofsexualharassmentinitseducationprogramoractivity,againstapersonintheUnitedStates,itmustrespondpromptlyinamannerthatisnotdeliberatelyindifferent.TheUniversityisdeliberatelyindifferentonlyifitsresponsetosexualharassmentisclearlyunreasonableinlightoftheknowncircumstances.Complaintsofsexualharassment,asdefinedinthisPolicy,willbeaddressedusingtheproceduressetforthinthisPolicy.
AllegedmisconductthatfallsoutsidethescopeofthisPolicymaybeaddressedthroughotherUniversitypoliciesandrules,includingtheStudentCodeofConduct,collectivebargainingagreements,andHumanResourcespolicies.
ThisPolicyappliestosexualharassmentthatoccursonorafterAugust14,2020.
ThisPolicyisdesignedtocomplywithapplicablelawsandregulations.TheUniversityreservestherighttomodifyordeviatefromthisPolicy,when,initssolediscretion,theUniversitydeterminesitisnecessarytoprotecttherightsofthepartiesortocomplywiththeUniversity’slegalobligations.
NoticeofsexualharassmentorallegationsofsexualharassmenttotheUniversity’sTitleIXCoordinatororanyofficialoftheUniversitywhohasauthoritytoinstitutecorrectivemeasuresonbehalfoftheUniversity.Imputationofknowledgebasedsolelyonvicariousliabilityorconstructivenoticeisinsufficienttoconstituteactualknowledge.ThisstandardisnotmetwhentheonlyofficialoftheUniversitywithactualknowledgeistherespondentinamatter.Themereabilityorobligationtoreportsexualharassmentortoinformanindividualstudentabouthowtoreportsexualharassment,orhavingbeentrainedtodoso,doesnotqualifyanindividualasonewhohasauthoritytoinstitutecorrectivemeasuresonbehalfoftheUniversity.“Notice”asusedindefinitionincludes,butisnotlimitedto,areportofsexualharassmenttotheTitleIXCoordinatorasdescribedinthisPolicy.
Anindividualwhohasappliedforadmissionto,participationin,oremploymentwiththeUniversitywhomeetstheminimumqualificationsfortheposition.
AnydayinwhichnormalUniversitybusinessoperationsareconducted,whichareMondaythroughFridayfrom9a.m.to5p.m.localtimeandexcludesweekends,holidays,andotherofficeclosuresrecognizedbytheUniversity.AlthoughtheUniversitycontinuesbusinessoperationsduringexamperiodsandbreaksbetweenterms,hearingsmaynotbeheldduringthesetimes.
Anindividualwhoisallegedtobethevictimofconductthatcouldconstitutesexualharassment.
Violence,onthebasisofsex,committedbyapersonwhoisorhasbeeninasocialrelationshipofaromanticorintimatenaturewiththecomplainant.Theexistenceofsucharelationshipshallbedeterminedbasedonthecomplainant’sstatement,andwithconsiderationofthelengthoftherelationship,thetypeofrelationship,andthefrequencyofinteractionbetweenthepersonsinvolvedintherelationship.Forthepurposesofthisdefinition,datingviolenceincludes,butisnotlimitedto,sexualorphysicalabuseorthethreatofsuchabuse.Datingviolencedoesnotincludeactscoveredunderthedefinitionofdomesticviolence.
Violence,onthebasisofsex,committedbyacurrentorformerspouseorintimatepartnerofthecomplainant,byapersonwithwhomthecomplainantsharesachildincommon,orbyapersonwhoiscohabitatingwithorhascohabitatedwiththecomplainantasaspouseorintimatepartner,orbyapersonsimilarlysituatedtoaspouseofthecomplainantunderthedomesticorfamilyviolencelawsofthejurisdictioninwhichthecrimeofviolenceoccurred;-orbyanyotherpersonagainstanadultoryouthcomplainantwhoisprotectedfromthatperson’sactsunderthedomesticorfamilyviolencelawsofOhio.
Includeslocations,events,orcircumstancesoverwhichtheUniversityexercisessubstantialcontroloverboththerespondentandthecontextinwhichthesexualharassmentoccurs,andalsoincludesanybuildingownedorcontrolledbyastudentorganizationthatisofficiallyrecognizedbytheUniversity.
AdocumentfiledbyacomplainantorsignedbytheTitleIXCoordinatorallegingconductinviolationofthisPolicyagainstarespondentandrequestingthattheUniversityinvestigatetheallegation(s)ofsexualharassment.Atthetimeoffilingaformalcomplaint,acomplainantmustbeparticipatinginorattemptingtoparticipateinaneducationprogramoractivityoftheUniversitywithwhichtheformalcomplaintisfiled.AformalcomplaintmaybefiledwiththeTitleIXCoordinatorinperson,bymail,byelectronicmail,oronlinethroughtheOfficeofGenderEquity&Inclusionwebsite.SeeFormalComplaintandResolution,SectionIIbelowwherecontactinformationanddetailsabouthowtoreportareprovided.
Asusedinthisdefinition,thephrase“documentfiledbyacomplainant”meansadocumentorelectronicsubmission(suchasbyelectronicmailorthroughanonlineportalprovidedforthispurposebytheUniversity)thatcontainsthecomplainant’sphysicalordigitalsignature,orotherwiseindicatesthatthecomplainantisthepersonfilingtheformalcomplaint.WheretheTitleIXCoordinatorsignsaformalcomplaint,theTitleIXCoordinatorisnotacomplainantorotherwiseaparty.
Astateinwhichrationaldecision-makingortheabilitytoconsentisrenderedimpossiblebecauseofaperson’stemporaryorpermanentphysicalormentalimpairmentincluding,butnotlimitedto,physicalormentalimpairmentresultingfromdrugsoralcohol,disability,sleep,unconsciousness,orillness.Incapacitationisdeterminedbasedonthetotalityofthecircumstances.Incapacitationismorethanintoxication,butintoxicationcancauseincapacitation.
Factorstoconsiderindeterminingincapacitationinclude,butarenotlimitedto,thefollowing:
Acomplainantandarespondentmaybereferredtoas“party”or“parties.”
AverbalorwrittenaccountofallegedsexualharassmentbyanypersonpursuanttotheReportingsection,subpartIII.Areportisnotaformalcomplaintanddoesnotinitiatethegrievanceprocess.
TheindividualorentitywhonotifiestheUniversityofconductallegedtoviolatethisPolicy.
Anindividualwhohasbeenreportedtobetheperpetratorofconductthatcouldconstitutesexualharassment.
Anadverseactiontakenagainstanindividualbecauseofanindividual’sgoodfaithcomplaintofharassment,goodfaithparticipationinaninvestigationofsuchcomplaint,orgoodfaithoppositiontoharassmentintheeducationalorworkplacesetting.Manyfactors,includingbutnotlimitedtopastperformanceevaluations/reviews,temporalproximity,andcommentsmadebyothers,shouldbeconsideredwhenevaluatingwhetheranadverseactionwastakenagainstanindividualbecauseoftheindividual’sgoodfaithcomplaintofharassment,goodfaithparticipationinaninvestigationofsuchcomplaint,orgoodfaithoppositiontoharassmentintheeducationalorworkplacesetting.
DisciplineorcorrectiveactionmadeforthepurposeofenforcingthisPolicyandappliedtoarespondentfollowingthedeterminationofresponsibilityforviolatingthisPolicy.
Sexualassaultisdefinedas:
oIncest:Non-forciblesexualintercourse,betweenpersonswhoarerelatedtoeachother,withinthedegreeswhereinmarriageisprohibitedbyOhiolaw.
oStatutoryRape:Non-forciblesexualintercourse,withapersonwhoisunderthestatutoryageofconsentof16.
Conductonthebasisofsex,occurringintheUnitedStates,thatsatisfiesoneormoreofthefollowing:
Engaginginacourseofconduct,onthebasisofsex,directedataspecificperson,that(i)wouldcauseareasonablepersontofearfortheperson’ssafety,or(ii)thesafetyofothers;or(iii)suffersubstantialemotionaldistress.Forpurposesofthisdefinition,courseofconductmeanstwoormoreacts,including,butnotlimitedto,actsinwhichtherespondentdirectly,indirectly,orthroughthirdparties,byanyaction,method,device,ormeans,follows,monitors,observes,surveils,threatens,orcommunicatestooraboutaperson,orinterfereswithaperson’sproperty.Reasonablepersonmeansareasonablepersonundersimilarcircumstancesandwithsimilaridentitiestothecomplainant.Substantialemotionaldistressmeanssignificantmentalsufferingoranguishthatmaybutdoesnotnecessarilyrequiremedicalorotherprofessionaltreatmentorcounseling.
Non-disciplinary,non-punitiveindividualizedservicesofferedasappropriate,asreasonablyavailable,andwithoutfeeorchargetothecomplainantortherespondent,beforeorafterthefilingofaformalcomplaintorwherenoformalcomplainthasbeenfiled.SuchmeasuresaredesignedtorestoreorpreserveequalaccesstotheUniversity’seducationprogramoractivitywithoutunreasonablyburdeningtheotherparty,includingmeasuresdesignedtoprotectthesafetyofallpartiesortheUniversity’seducationalenvironment,ordetersexualharassment.
Aguest,visitor,programparticipant/attendee,vendor,contractor,subcontractor,orotherpersoncontractedtoprovideserviceorconductbusinesswiththeUniversity.
Employees,students,volunteers,applicants,andotherthirdpartiesasdefinedherein.
Allindividualswhoaredirectlyinvolvedin,whoobserve,orwhoreceivereliableinformationthataviolationofthisPolicymayhaveoccurredmayreportsuchallegationsandarestronglyencouragedtodoso.
AllUniversityemployeesandanymemberoftheUniversitycommunitywhosupervisesfaculty,staff,students,orvolunteers,exceptthoseexemptfromreportingassetforthinthisPolicyorexpresslyidentifiedasaconfidentialreporter,haveanobligationtoreportincidentsthatmaybeaviolationofthisPolicy.AnysuchindividualwhoreceivesadisclosureofallegationsofconductinviolationofthisPolicyorbecomesawareofinformationthatwouldleadareasonablepersontobelievethataviolationmayhaveoccurredinvolvinganyonecoveredunderthisPolicy,mustreportallknowninformationimmediately.
ThefollowingcategoriesofindividualsareexemptfromthedutytoreportallegationsofconductinviolationofthisPolicywhensuchinformationissharedwiththemwhileactingintheirprofessional,confidentialcapacity:
i.AprofessionalcounselorisapersonwhoseofficialresponsibilitiesincludeprovidingmentalhealthcounselingtomembersoftheUniversitycommunityandwhoisfunctioningwithinthescopeofthatlicenseorcertificationandtheirUniversityemployment.ThisdefinitionappliestoprofessionalcounselorswhoarenotemployeesoftheUniversitybutareundercontracttoprovidecounselingattheUniversity.Thisalsoincludesanindividualwhoisnotyetlicensedorcertified(e.g.,aPh.D.counselor-traineeactingunderthesupervisionofaprofessionalcounselorattheUniversity).
ii.Apastoralcounselorisapersonwhoisassociatedwithareligiousorderordenomination,isrecognizedbythereligiousorderordenominationassomeonewhoprovidesconfidentialcounselingandisfunctioningwithinthescopeofthatrecognitionandtheirroleattheUniversity.Inthiscontext,apastororpriestwhoisfunctioningasanathleticdirectororasastudentadvocatewouldnotbeexemptfromthereportingobligation.
OtheremployeeswithaprofessionallicenserequiringconfidentialitywhoarefunctioningwithinthescopeofthelicenseorcertificationandtheirUniversityemployment.Forexample,aphysicianwithdualappointments(clinicianandprofessor)wouldberequiredtoreportallegedviolationsofthePolicyofwhichtheybecameawareofinthescopeoftheiremploymentasaprofessor,butwhileoperatingasaclinicianmustkeepsuchinformationconfidentialandprivilegedbythephysician-patientrelationshipunlessthereisamandatoryreportingrequirementunderstatelaw.
EmployeeswhoarefunctioningwithinthescopeoftheirUniversityemploymentandwhoaresupervisedbyorperformingdutiesforUniversityemployeesidentifiedinpartsAandBofthissectionrequiringconfidentiality.Forexample,studenthealthservicesandmedicalcenteremployeescannotdiscloseconfidentialinformationbutmustfollowreportingrequirementsforanynon-confidentialinformation.
EmployeesandmembersoftheUniversitycommunity,includingthosewhosupervisefaculty,staff,students,orvolunteers,arenotrequiredtoreportallegedviolationsofthisPolicythataredisclosed:
i.Atpublicawarenessevents(e.g.,“TakeBacktheNight,”candlelightvigils,survivor“speakouts,”etc.);
ii.Duringanindividual’sparticipationasasubjectinanInstitutionalReviewBoard(IRB)-approvedhumansubjectsresearchprotocol;or
Iftheyreceivetheinformationregardingsexualharassmentoutsidethescopeorcourseoftheiremploymentand/orengagementwithUniversity.
Forconductinvolvingtheabuseofminors,seeSectionV(D),infra.
AnypersonmayreportallegationsofconductinviolationofthisPolicy(whetherornotthepersonreportingisthepersonallegedtobethevictimofconductthatcouldconstituteconductinviolationofthisPolicy)inperson,bymail,bytelephone,byelectronicemail,orbyelectronicsubmission,orbyanyothermeansthatresultsintheTitleIXCoordinatorreceivingtheverbalorwrittenreport.Areportmaybemadeatanytime(includingduringnon-businesshours)byusingthetelephonenumber,electronicmailaddress,electronicsubmission,orbymailtotheofficeaddress.Reportsmaybemadeanonymously,buttoinitiatethegrievanceprocess,aformalcomplaintmustbefiledpursuanttotheprocessoutlinedinthispolicy.
Inordertoinitiatethegrievanceprocess,acomplainantmustfileaformalcomplaintwiththeTitleIXCoordinator.Aformalcomplaintrequiresthecomplainant’sphysicalordigitalsignature,orotherindiciathatthecomplainantisthepersonfilingtheformalcomplaint.Aformalcomplaintmaybefiledinperson,bymail,byelectronicemail,orbyelectronicsubmission.Acomplainantmayreceivesupportivemeasureswithoutfilingaformalcomplaint.Formalcomplaintsmaynotbefiledanonymously.
i.PrimaryContact:
TitleIXCoordinator
225CalhounSt.,USquare308
POBox210158
Cincinnati,OH45221-0158
Phone:(513)556-3349
ii.DeputyTitleIXCoordinatorsontheregionalcampusesareavailabletoassistwithreportingTitleIXmatterstotheTitleIXCoordinator:
UCBlueAshCollege
DeputyTitleIXCoordinator
MuntzHall,Room140Q
9555PlainfieldDrive
BlueAsh,OH45236-0086
Phone:(513)936-1501
UCClermont
ClermontStudentServices,Room140C
4200ClermontCollegeDrive
Batavia,OH45103-0162
Phone:(513)732-8964
iii.EthicsPointAnonymousReportingHotline:
(800)889-1547or(800)889-1547
TheUniversitywillreviewandtakeappropriateactiononanonymousreports.NotethatthegrievanceprocessmaynotbeinitiatedbyfilingananonymousreportviaEthicsPoint.
FilingacomplaintwiththeUniversitydoesnotprecludeanindividualfromfilingacomplaintwithanexternalagencynordoesitextendtimelimitswiththoseagencies.
TheUniversityretainstherighttonotifylawenforcementauthoritiesandmayengageinappropriateinvestigatoryprocesseswhenconcernsexistforconductthreateningthepersonalsafetyofanindividualorwell-beingoftheUniversitycommunity,withorwithoutthecomplainant’sparticipation.Dependingonthenatureofthereportorallegation,investigationsmaybeconductedbytheUniversityandlawenforcement.Theseprocessesareseparateanddistinctfromoneanotherbutcanrunconcurrently.Attimes,theUniversitymaydeterminethatlawenforcement’sinvolvementintheinvestigationorremediationofthecomplaintisnecessarytoensurethesafetyoftheUniversitycommunity.IfthisdeterminationbytheUniversityisinconflictwithanindividual’srequestforconfidentiality,theUniversitywillnotifytheindividualofitsdecisiontoinvolvelawenforcementauthoritiesorpursuecriminalproceedings.
UponreceiptofinformationindicatingthatacomplainantmayhaveacomplaintorconcernregardingconductinviolationofthisPolicy,theOfficeofGenderEquity&Inclusionshallpromptlycontactthecomplainanttoprovideinformationonsupportivemeasuresandthegrievanceprocess.
Complainantsmaychoosewhetherornottoinitiatethegrievanceprocessbyfilingaformalcomplaint,and/orwhetherornottoreceivesupportivemeasures.Acomplainant’schoicetoparticipateinthegrievanceprocessand/ortoreceivesupportivemeasurescanberevoked,altered,orotherwisechangedbyprovidingnoticetotheOfficeofGenderEquity&Inclusionatanytimepriortoadjudicationofthecomplaint.
Acomplainantmayelecttoreceivesupportivemeasures,whetherornottheyelecttofileaformalcomplaintorparticipateincomplaintresolutionprocesses.
Intheeventofanemergency,animmediatethreat,orifacrimeisinprogress,call911immediately.
Ohiolawrequiresanypersonknowingthatafelonyhasbeenorisbeingcommittedtoreportthecrimetothepolice.IntheeventUniversityemployees,inthecourseandscopeoftheiremployment,becomeawareofafelonythathasbeenorisbeingcommittedonUniversitypropertyorduringaUniversityevent,theymustreportittotheUniversityofCincinnatiPoliceDivision(exceptionstothisrequirementarepersonsemployedbytheUniversitywhoareexemptedbylawfromreportingunderR.C.2921.22orotherapplicablestatute(s).
AllUniversitycommunitymemberswhoreceiveinformation,suspect,orknowthataminorisbeingorhasbeenabusedorneglectedmustadvisetheirsupervisor,theOfficeofHumanResources,andtheUniversityofCincinnatiDivisionofPublicSafetypromptly.Ifthereportisaboutasupervisororadministrator,thenextlevelofmanagementshouldbecontacted.Reportscanbemadeto:ChiefHumanResourcesOfficerorSeniorDirectorofLaborRelations&PolicyDevelopmentat(513)556-6372;UniversityofCincinnatiDepartmentofPublicSafety:Non-Emergency(513)556-1111.
TheUniversityrecognizestheimportanceofconfidentiality.Totheextentpossible,allinformationreceivedinconnectionwiththefiling,investigation,andresolutionofallegationswillbetreatedasconfidentialexceptwhennecessarytoconductanappropriateinvestigation,toprovideassistanceandresourcestoUniversitycommunitymembers,toperformotherappropriateUniversityfunctions,orwhentheUniversityiscompelledtoproduceinformationinaccordancewithapplicablelawand/orothercontrollingauthority.Confidentialityisnottheequivalentofanonymity,andconfidentialitywillbelimitedintheformalcomplaintgrievanceprocess.
Tomaintainasafeandscholarlycommunity,theUniversityencouragesthereportingofStudentCodeofConductandpolicyviolations,crimesinvolvinganallegedvictim,and/orviolationsofthisPolicy.Toencouragereporting,theUniversityhasthediscretiontonotpursuecertainStudentCodeofConductand/orotherpolicyviolations.SuchamnestymaybegrantedassetforthintheStudentCodeofConductorotherpolicyprovisions.
FalsereportingismakinganintentionalinaccuratereportoraccusationinrelationtothisPolicyasopposedtoareportoraccusation,which,eveniferroneous,ismadeingoodfaith.Falsereportingisaseriousoffensesubjecttoappropriatedisciplinaryactionuptoandincludingdismissalortermination.
Anemployee,oranymemberoftheUniversitycommunitywhosupervisesfaculty,staff,students,orvolunteers,whoisrequiredtoreportunderthisPolicyandfailstodosoissubjecttodisciplinaryactionuptoandincludingterminationorremoval.
Supportivemeasuresarenon-disciplinary,non-punitiveindividualizedservicesdesignedtorestoreorpreserveequalaccesstotheUniversity’seducationprogramoractivity,withoutunreasonablyburdeningtheotherparty,includingmeasuresdesignedtoprotectthesafetyofallpartiesortheUniversity’seducationalenvironment,ordetersexualharassment.Supportivemeasuresinclude,butarenotlimitedto:counseling,extensionsofdeadlinesorothercourse-relatedadjustments,modificationsofworkorclassschedules,campusescortservices,mutualrestrictionsoncontactbetweenthepartiesand/orotherparties(“nocontactorders”),changesinworkorhousingarrangements,leavesofabsence,increasedsecurityandmonitoringofcertainareasofcampus,andothersimilarmeasures.
Supportivemeasuresareavailableuponreceiptofareportofsexualharassmentasappropriate.IndividualswhowouldliketorequestsupportivemeasuresorwhoexperiencedifficultyobtainingsupportivemeasuresthathavebeenapprovedshouldcontacttheTitleIXCoordinator.
SubjecttootherconfidentialityprovisionsofthisPolicy,theUniversityshallmaintainasconfidentialanysupportivemeasuresprovidedtothecomplainantorrespondent,totheextentthatmaintainingsuchconfidentialitywouldnotimpairtheabilityoftheUniversitytoprovidethesupportivemeasures.
FailuretoabidebysupportivemeasuresmayconstituteaviolationofthisPolicy,and/orotherUniversityolicies,includingtheStudentCodeofConduct.
Supportivemeasuresmaycontinuetobeavailabletocomplainant,respondent,andtheUniversitycommunityfollowingtheresolutionofareportorcomplaint.
TheTitleIXCoordinatormaysignaformalcomplaintwhenconcernsexistforconductthreateningthesafetyoftheUniversitycommunity.TheTitleIXCoordinatorisnotacomplainantorapartyinthegrievanceprocess.
PrimaryContact:
POBox210158(ML0158)
DeputyTitleIXCoordinatorsontheregionalcampusesareavailabletoassistwithfilingformalcomplaints:
NoticeofconductallegedtoviolatethisPolicymaybereportedatanytime.However,atthetimeoffilingaformalcomplaint,acomplainantmustbeparticipatinginorattemptingtoparticipateinaUniversityeducationprogramoractivity.Whilethereisnostrictdeadlineforfilingaformalcomplaint,andtimelinessmayvaryaccordingtothespecificcircumstances,promptreportingisimportanttofacilitateathoroughinvestigation.Itisexpectedthatreportsandformalcomplaintsaboutsexualharassmentwillbereportedwithinaproximatetimeoftheoccurrenceoftheallegedconductorthedateuponwhichtheallegedconductbecameknowntothereportingparty.DelayedreportingorfilingofaformalcomplaintmaylimittheUniversity’sabilitytogatherrelevantevidence,toeffectivelyaddresstheconductatissue,andtoinitiatethegrievanceprocess.ComplainantsandotherUniversitycommunitymemberswithknowledgeofsexualharassmentareencouragedtoreporttotheTitleIXCoordinatorwithin24hours.
Throughouttheprocess,thereisapresumptionthattherespondentisnotresponsiblefortheallegedconductuntiladeterminationregardingresponsibilityismadeattheconclusionofthegrievanceprocess.DisciplinarysanctionsorotheractionsthatarenotsupportivemeasureswillbeimposedagainstarespondentonlyaftercompletionofagrievanceprocessthatcomplieswiththisPolicy.
Complainantsandrespondentsshallbetreatedequitablythroughoutthegrievanceprocess.
ThestandardofevidencetobeusedtodetermineresponsibilityforaviolationofthisPolicyisthepreponderanceoftheevidence.IndeterminingwhetherallegedconductconstitutesaviolationofthisPolicy,theUniversitywilllookatthetotalityofthecircumstances,includingthenatureoftheallegedoffenseaswellasthelocationofandthecontextinwhichtheallegedincident(s)occurred.ThedeterminationastowhetheraparticularactionconstitutesaviolationofthisPolicywillbeafactualdeterminationmadeonacase-by-casebasis,basedonrelevantevidence.Inthegrievanceprocess,anobjectiveevaluationofallrelevantevidenceisrequired,includingbothinculpatoryandexculpatoryevidence.
Credibilitydeterminationsmaynotbebasedonaperson’sstatusasacomplainant,respondent,orwitness.
NoindividualdesignatedbytheUniversityasaTitleIXCoordinator,investigator,decision-maker,oranypersondesignatedbytheUniversitytofacilitatethegrievanceprocess,mayhaveaconflictofinterestorbiasfororagainstcomplainantsorrespondentsgenerallyoranindividualcomplainantorrespondent.
Reasonablyprompttimeframesforconclusionofthegrievanceprocess,includingreasonablyprompttimeframesforfilingandresolvingappealsandinformalresolutionprocesseshavebeenestablishedbytheUniversity.Thesetimeframesareestimationsofthedurationoftimenecessarytocompleteareasonablyprompt,thoroughandappropriategrievanceprocess.
Temporarydelayofthegrievanceprocessorthelimitedextensionoftimeframesforgoodcause,withwrittennoticetothecomplainantandtherespondentofthedelayorextensionandthereasonsfortheaction,arepermissible.Goodcausemayinclude,butisnotlimitedto,considerationssuchastheabsenceofaparty,aparty’sadvisor,orawitness;concurrentlawenforcementactivity;ortheneedforlanguageassistanceoraccommodationofdisabilities.
TheUniversityshallmakeappropriateeffortstoensurethatfromthedateofitsreceiptofaformalcomplaint,theinvestigation,hearing,andissuanceoftheadjudicatingbody’sreportshallbeconcludedinninety(90)businessdays.
Appealsareexpectedtoberesolvedwithintwenty(20)businessdaysaftertheparties’submissionoftheirstatements.
TheUniversityshallmakeappropriateeffortstoensure,exceptwhereotherwiseagreedtobytheparties,thatfromthedateofitsreceiptofaformalcomplaint,informalresolutionprocessesshallbeconcludedwithinninety(90)businessdays.
TheUniversitymayremovearespondentfromtheUniversity’sprogram,activity,property,orplacetherespondentonadministrativeleaveonanemergencybasis,afterconductinganindividualizedsafetyandriskanalysisanddeterminingthatanimmediatethreattothephysicalhealthorsafetyofanystudentorotherindividualarisingfromtheallegationsofsexualharassmentjustifiesremoval.Emergencyremoval/administrativeleavedeterminationsandappealsshallbeconductedinaccordancewithestablishedUniversitypolicies,procedures,andagreements.Formoreinformationsee,StudentCodeofConduct,HumanResourcepoliciesandprocedures,and/orapplicablecollectivebargainingagreements.TheUniversitywillprovidetherespondentwithnoticeandanopportunitytochallengethedecisionimmediatelyfollowingtheremovaloradministrativeleave.
Ifeitherpartyassertsthatanactualorapparentconflictofinterestmayadverselyimpacttheinvestigation,thecomplaintshouldbesubmittedtotheVicePresidentofEquity,&Inclusion&CommunityImpact,ordesignee.IftheVicePresidentofEquity,&Inclusion&CommunityImpactordesigneedeterminesthereisnoactualorapparentconflictofinterest,theinvestigationwillproceedaccordingtothisprocedure.Ifadeterminationismadethataconflictofinterestexists,theVicePresidentofEquity&Inclusion,ordesignee,shallappointanindependentindividualwithappropriateexperienceandtrainingtoconducttheinvestigationintothecomplaint.
Aformalcomplaintisreceivedwhenthecomplainantand/orTitleIXCoordinatorfilesthecomplaintwiththeOfficeofGenderEquity&Inclusion.
Uponreceiptofaformalcomplaint,theTitleIXCoordinator,ordesignee,willprovidewrittennoticetotheknownpartieswiththefollowinginformation:
If,inthecourseofaninvestigation,theUniversitydecidestoinvestigateallegationsaboutthecomplainantorrespondentthatarenotincludedintheinitialwrittennoticeofaformalcomplaint,oradditionalallegationswhichareoutsidethescopeoftheOfficeofGenderEquity&Inclusion’sjurisdiction,theOfficeofGenderEquity&Inclusionand/oranotherappropriateUniversityofficeshallprovidenoticeoftheadditionalallegationstothepartieswhoseidentitiesareknown.
IftheformalcomplaintcontainsallegationsthatfalloutsidethescopeofthisPolicy,butarecoveredundertheUniversity’ssex-and/orgender-basedmisconductpolicy,theOfficeofGenderEquity&InclusionmayconsolidatetheallegationsintooneinvestigationandasinglehearingmaybeheldpursuanttothisPolicy,ifahearingisapplicable.
TheUniversitymustinvestigatetheallegationsinaformalcomplaint.TheUniversityshalldismisstheformalcomplaintwithregardtoconductunderthisPolicyifduringtheinvestigationtheUniversitydeterminestheconductallegedintheformalcomplaint:doesnotconstitutesexualharassmentevenifproved;didnotoccurintheUniversity’seducationprogramoractivity;or,didnotoccuragainstapersonintheUnitedStates.SuchadismissaldoesnotprecludeactionunderanotherUniversitypolicyorcodeofconduct.
TheUniversitymaydismissaformalcomplaintoranyallegationstherein,ifatanytimeduringtheinvestigationorhearing:acomplainantnotifiestheTitleIXCoordinatorinwritingthatthecomplainantwouldliketowithdrawtheformalcomplaintoranyallegationstherein;therespondentisnolongerenrolledoremployedbytheUniversity;or,specificcircumstancespreventtheinvestigatorfromgatheringevidencesufficienttoreachadeterminationastotheformalcomplaintorallegationstherein.
Uponadismissal,theUniversityshallpromptlysendwrittennoticeofthedismissalandthereason(s)forthedismissalsimultaneouslytotheparties.Thedecisiontodismissaformalcomplaintoranyofitsallegationsmaybeappealed.SeeSectionX,subpart(A).forappealprocedures.
TheUniversitymayconsolidateformalcomplaintsastoallegationsagainstmorethanonerespondent,orbymorethanonecomplainantagainstoneormorerespondents,orbyonepartyagainsttheotherparty,wheretheallegationsariseoutofthesamefactsorcircumstances.
Partiesmayelecttohaveuptotwoadvisorsoftheirchoice.Anadvisormayconsultwithapartyverballyorinwritinginaquiet,non-disruptivemanner,andanadvisormaynotparticipateasaspokespersonorvocaladvocateinmeetings,interviews,orhearings,otherthanasdescribedbelow,andmustcomplywithallrulesofdecorumestablishedfortheparticularproceeding.Shouldthematterproceedtoahearing,oneadvisorwillberesponsibleforconductingcross-examinationofwitnesses.Ifapartydoesnothaveanadvisorforahearing,theUniversitywillprovideonefreeofchargetothepartyforthepurposeofconductingcross-examinationofwitnessesonbehalfoftheparty.Partiesarenotpermittedtoconductcross-examinationofwitnessesdirectly.Cross-examinationmaybeconductedonlythroughanadvisor.
Partiesarerequiredtonotifytherelevantofficethree(3)businessdayspriortoanymeeting,call,interview,hearing,orothereventiftheadvisorisanattorney.
Informalresolutionisavoluntaryprocessthroughwhichpartiesconsensuallyworktowardresolutionofamatter.Theinformalresolutionprocessprovidesaremedies-basedapproachspecifictothecircumstancesoftheincident,withoutmakingadeterminationastowhetherapolicyhasbeenviolated.ThisapproachallowsthepartiesandUniversitytotailorresponsestotheuniquefactsandcircumstancesofanincident,particularlyincaseswherethereisnotabroaderthreattoindividualorcampussafety.
TheUniversitymaynotofferorfacilitateaninformalresolutionprocesstoresolveallegationsthatanemployeesexuallyharassedastudent.
InformalresolutionprocessesarefacilitatedbytheOfficeofGenderEquity&Inclusion(“OGEI”)and/oritsdesignee.Toparticipateininformalresolution,theUniversitymust:
i.Providethepartieswithawrittennoticedisclosing:theallegations,therequirementsoftheinformalresolutionprocessincludingthecircumstancesunderwhichitprecludesthepartiesfromresumingaformalcomplaintarisingfromthesameallegations,provided,however,thatatanytimepriortoagreeingtoaresolution,anypartyhastherighttowithdrawfromtheinformalresolutionprocessandresumethegrievanceprocesswithrespecttotheformalcomplaint,andanyconsequencesresultingfromparticipatingintheinformalresolutionprocess,includingtherecordsthatwillbemaintainedorcouldbeshared,and
ii.Obtaintheparties’voluntary,writtenconsentacknowledgingtheirdesiretoparticipateintheinformalresolutionprocess.
OGEIand/oritsdesigneemaydooneormoreofthefollowing,asappropriate:
i.Identify,develop,and/orsupporttheadministrationofinterimorlong-termsupportivemeasuresavailabletotheparties.
ii.Providetargetedorbroad-basededucationalprogramsortraining.
iii.Meetwiththeparties,discussingthebehaviorasalleged,providingopportunityforaresponse,reviewinginstitutionalpolicies,and/ormediatingagreeduponresolutions.
iv.Facilitatethedevelopmentofstrategies,plans,and/orotheragreementstoassurediscontinuanceofidentifiedconduct,preventionofrecurrence/furtherance,and/oravoidanceofretaliation.
v.Iftherespondentisanemployee,OGEImaynotifytherespondent’ssupervisoroftheallegations,informalresolutionprocess,outcomes,and/orsubsequentexpectations.
vi.Iftherespondentisastudent,OGEImaynotifytheOfficeofStudentConductandCommunityStandardsand/orotherappropriateUniversityemployeesoftheallegations,informalresolutionprocess,outcomes,and/orsubsequentexpectations.
TheUniversitymaynotrequireasaconditionofenrollmentorcontinuingenrollment,oremploymentorcontinuingemployment,orenjoymentofanyotherright,waiveroftherighttoaninvestigationandadjudicationofformalcomplaintsofsexualharassment.TheUniversitymaynotrequirethepartiestoparticipateinaninformalresolutionprocess.
Wherethepartieshaveagreedtopursueinformalresolution,neitherpartynortheUniversityshallbeprecludedfromwithdrawingtheirconsenttoparticipateintheinformalresolutionprocessand/orpursuingaformalresolutionprocessarisingfromthesameallegationsatanytimepriortoreachingtheagreeduponinformalresolution.
Inappropriatesituations,misconductinvestigationsmaybedeferredwhilepartiespursueinformalresolution.Whenaninvestigationisdeferred,theUniversityrefrainsfromtakinganyactiononacaseforadesignatedperiodoftime,duringwhichapartymaybegiventheopportunitytosatisfycertainconditionsorobligationsasameansofavoidingfurtherinvestigationand/orotherUniversityproceedings.Insuchcases,failuretofulfillinformalresolutionagreementsmayresultinsubsequentformalresolutionprocesses.TheUniversityreservestherighttoendaninformalresolutionprocessif,initsdiscretion,thereisnotsubstantialprogresstowardresolution.
Informalresolutionprocessesshallbeconductedconfidentiallytotheextentpermittedbylaw.Informalresolutionprocessmayresultinthecreationofrecordsand/orothermaterialssubjecttoinstitutionalrecordretentionpolicies,aspermittedbytheFamilyEducationRightsandPrivacyAct,orasrequiredbylaw.
Generally,informalresolutionprocessesshallbeconcludedwithinninety(90)businessdaysofthefilingoftheformalcomplaint.Followingtheconclusionofaninformalresolutionprocess,writtennoticeoftheoutcomeandclosureoftheformalcomplaintwillbeprovidedtothepartieswithinthirty(30)businessdays.
Theformalresolutionprocessconsistsofaninvestigationandahearing.AsusedinthisPolicy,theterm“investigation”referstotheprocessthattheUniversityusestoreviewallegationsandgatherrelevantevidence.Unlessarespondentacceptsresponsibility,attheconclusionoftheinvestigation,ahearingwillbeheldtodetermine:(1)whetherornotconductinviolationofthisPolicyoccurred;and(2)iftheconductoccurred,whatactionstheUniversitywilltaketorespond,remediate,eliminate,andpreventrecurrenceoftheprohibitedconductwithintheUniversitycommunity,whichmayincludeimposingdisciplinaryorcorrectiveactionand/ortheprovisionofremediestoaffectedpartiesand/ortheUniversitycommunity.
TheUniversityhastheburdenofproofandtheburdenofgatheringevidencesufficienttoreachadeterminationregardingresponsibility.
Theinvestigatorshallinterviewindividualsinvolved,witnesses,andanyotherpersonsdeterminedtohaverelevantknowledgeofthecircumstancesand/ordeemednecessaryforthecompletionofathoroughandaccurateinvestigation.Investigationsofallegationsmayincludereviewofrelatedphysicalevidenceand/ormaterials,reviewofelectronictransmissions,records,and/orotherdocumentation,interviews,andotherfact-findingactivities.Eachpartyshallhaveanequalopportunitytopresentwitnesses,includingfactandexpertwitnesses,aswellasotherinculpatoryorexculpatoryevidence.TheUniversityshallnotrestricttheabilityofeitherpartytodiscusstheallegationsunderinvestigationortogatherandpresentrelevantevidence.
Partiesinterviewedbytheinvestigatorshallbeinvitedtoprovidewrittenstatementsand/orotherrelevantdocumentationforconsiderationoftheinvestigator.TheUniversitywillrespectdeterminationsmadebythecomplainant(s)andrespondent(s)regardingtheirlevelofparticipationinaninvestigation.
TheUniversitywillnotaccess,consider,disclose,orotherwiseuseaparty’srecordsthataremadeormaintainedbyaphysician,psychiatrist,psychologist,orotherrecognizedprofessionalorparaprofessionalactingintheprofessional’sorparaprofessional’scapacity,orassistinginthatcapacity,andwhicharemadeandmaintainedinconnectionwiththeprovisionoftreatmenttotheparty,unlesstheUniversityobtainsthatparty’svoluntary,writtenconsenttodoso.
Bothpartiesshallhaveanequalopportunitytoinspectandreviewanyevidenceobtainedaspartoftheinvestigationthatisdirectlyrelatedtotheallegationsraisedintheformalcomplaint,includingtheevidenceuponwhichtheUniversitydoesnotintendtorelyoninreachingadeterminationregardingresponsibilityandinculpatoryorexculpatoryevidencewhetherobtainedfromapartyorothersource,sothateachpartycanmeaningfullyrespondtotheevidencepriortoconclusionoftheinvestigation.TheUniversityshallmakeallsuchevidencesubjecttotheparties’inspectionandreviewavailableatanyhearingorgiveeachpartyequalopportunitytorefertosuchevidenceduringthehearing,includingforpurposesofcross-examination.
Priortothecompletionoftheinvestigativereport,theUniversityshallsendtoeachpartyandtheparty’sadvisor,ifany,theevidencesubjecttoinspectionandreviewinanelectronicformatorahardcopy,andthepartieswillhaveatleastten(10)businessdaystosubmitawrittenresponse,whichtheinvestigatorwillconsiderpriortocompletionoftheinvestigativereport.
Universitycommunitymembersareexpectedtocomplywithreasonableinvestigatorrequestsforrecords,documentation,and/orothermaterialsandtocooperateintheinvestigatoryprocess,includingthetimelyarrangementofmeetings,evidenceproduction,andfollowingofinvestigatordirectives.Afactualfindingand/orappropriatecorrectiveordisciplinaryactionmaybetakenagainstUniversitycommunitymemberswhodisrupt,obstruct,and/orotherwisefailtocooperate,inUniversityinvestigatoryprocesses.
TheUniversitywillprovide,toapartywhoseparticipationisinvitedorexpected,writtennoticeofthedate,time,location,participants,andpurposeofallhearings,investigativeinterviews,orothermeetings,withsufficienttimeforthepartytopreparetoparticipate.
Theinvestigativereportwillbesimultaneouslydistributedtoallpartiesandtheiradvisors,ifany,atleastten(10)businessdayspriortoahearing,inanelectronicformatorhardcopy,fortheirreviewandwrittenresponse.Thereportwillnotcontainanyfindingsorconclusions,butwillinsteadfairlysummarizetherelevantevidenceandwillcontain:
Whereparties,witnesses,and/orevidenceneededbytheinvestigatoraredelayed,temporarilyunavailable,and/orotherwisewithheld,goodcauseexistsfortheinvestigatortoextendthetimeframeoftheinvestigatoryprocessasnecessarytocompleteathoroughandappropriatereviewofthematter.Whenanextensionisinevitable,theinvestigatorshallnotifythepartiessimultaneously,withwrittennoticeofthedelayorextensionandthereasonsfortheaction.
Intheabsenceofaninformalresolutionorarespondentacceptingresponsibility,alivehearingshallbeconductedtodetermineresponsibility.Hearingsmaybeconductedwithallpartiesphysicallypresentinthesamegeographiclocation,orattheUniversity’sdiscretion,anyorallparties,witnesses,orotherparticipantsmayappearatthehearingvirtually,withtechnologyenablingparticipantssimultaneouslytoseeandheareachother.Thehearingchairreservestherighttomakeappropriateaccommodationstosecurethesafetyandcomfortofallpartiesandwitnessesduringaconductproceedingorreasonableaccommodationsrequiredunderlaw.Thismayincludehavingcomplainantsandrespondentsinseparaterooms,theuseoftechnologytoaccommodateavirtualhearing,orperiodicbreakssopartiesmayspeakwiththeiradvisors.
HearingswillberecordedbytheUniversity.Paneldeliberationswillnotberecorded.AnyrecordofthehearingwillremainthepropertyoftheUniversityandbesubjecttotheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct.Eitherpartymayhavepost-hearingaccesstotherecordedhearing.Tomaintainconfidentiality,partieswillbepermittedaccesstoinspectandreviewtherecording.Personsgivenaccesstotherecordingwillberequiredtosignaconfidentialityagreementinordertoprotecttheprivacyoftheinformationcontainedintherecording.
ApoolofindividualsshallbeavailabletoserveasmembersoftheHearingPanel.ThepoolshallconsistofindividualswhoaretrainedonissuesrelatingtothisPolicyaswellashowtoconducthearings.
Thehearingpanelwillconsistofthreemembers,oneofwhomwillserveasthehearingchair.Allthreememberswillvoteastoresponsibilityandastosanctionsandremedies,ifany.
Thecomplainantorrespondentmaychallengeparticipationofanyhearingpanelmemberonthegroundsofconflictofinterest.Challengesmustbesubmittedinwritingtothehearingchairwithinthree(3)businessdaysofnoticeoftheproposedpanelcomposition.Thechallengemustspecifyreasonsthepartiesbelievesthechallengedmemberhasaconflictofinterest.TheVicePresidentforEquity,Inclusion&CommunityImpact,ordesignee,shalldeterminewhetheraconflictofinterestexists.Ifthechallengeisgranted,theconflictedmembershallbereplacedbyanothermemberfromtheHearingPanelpool.
Presenceathearingsshallberestrictedtothepartiesinvolved(complainantsandrespondents)alongwiththeiradvisors,witnesses,thehearingpanel,andappropriateadministrativeUniversitypersonnel.Hearingsareclosedtothepublic.
Advisorsmayprovideguidancetotheirrespectiveparties,and,exceptforconductingcross-examinationofwitnesses,maynotplayanactiveroleinthehearing.Thepartiesarerequiredtonotifythehearingchairthree(3)businessdayspriortothehearingifoneormoreoftheiradvisorsareanattorney.
Ifapartydoesnothaveanadvisorpresentatthehearing,theUniversityshallprovide,withoutfeeorcharge,totheparty,anadvisoroftheUniversity’schoice,whomaybe,butisnotrequiredtobe,anattorney,toconductcross-examinationonbehalfofthatparty.
TheInvestigatorwillbepresenttoanswerquestions.
Ifeitherpartyorawitnessdoesnotsubmittocross-examinationatthehearing,thepanelmustnotrelyonanystatementofthatpartyorwitnessinreachingadeterminationregardingresponsibility;provided,however,thatthepanelcannotdrawaninferenceaboutthepartyorwitness’testimonyorcredibilitybasedsolelyonaparty’sorwitness’absencefromthelivehearingorrefusaltoanswercross-examinationorotherquestions.Thepartiesshallbeaffordedthesameopportunitiestohavewitnessespresentforhearings.
Three(3)businessdayspriortothehearing,thepartiesmaysubmittothehearingchairalistofwitnessnamestheywishtoprovidetestimonyatthehearing.Thiswillhelpensurethewitnessesreceiveinformationonthedateandtimeofthehearingandanynecessarylinksifappearingvirtually.
Thestandardofproofshallbepreponderanceoftheevidence.ThepanelmustconcludethatitismorelikelythannotthateachallegedviolationofthePolicyhasoccurred.
a.Thehearingchairwillopentheproceedingwithastatementthatincludesthenatureandpurposeofthehearing,anoverviewofthehearingprocess,andanexpectationfordecorumduringthehearing.Thehearingchairmayplacetimelimitationsontestimony.
b.Thecomplainantandrespondentshalleachbeentitledtomakeaten(10)minuteopeningstatement.Thepartiesshallconfinetheirpresentationtofactsrelevanttotheallegations.
Thehearingchairshallopenthefloorfordirectquestionsfromthehearingpaneltotheparties.Thehearingpanelmaycoordinatequestioning;however,eachindividualhearingpanelmembershallretaintherighttoquestionbothpartiesandtheirwitnesses.Thehearingpanelshallquestionthecomplainantandtherespondent.Thehearingpanelmayalsorequestthepresenceofandquestionwitnessescitedintheinvestigationreportatitsdiscretion.Otherthanthecomplainantandrespondent,onlyonewitnessatatimeshallbepresentinthehearingroom.
Eachparty’sadvisorwillconductcross-examinationoftheotherpartyandofanywitnesses.Cross-examinationatthehearingshallbeconducteddirectly,orally,andinrealtimebytheparty’sadvisorandneverbyapartypersonally.Duringthehearing,onlyrelevantinformationshallbeconsidered.
Thehearingpanelshalldeterminetherelevanceofevidenceanditsadmissibility.Thehearingpanelshalldeterminetherelevanceofquestionsbeforetheyareansweredandshallexplainanydecisiontoexcludeaquestionasnotrelevant.
Questionsandevidenceaboutthecomplainant’ssexualpredispositionorpriorsexualbehaviorarenotrelevant,unlesssuchquestionsandevidenceaboutthecomplainant’spriorsexualbehaviorareofferedtoprovethatsomeoneotherthantherespondentcommittedtheconductallegedbythecomplainant,orifthequestionsandevidenceconcernspecificincidentsofthecomplainant’spriorsexualbehaviorwithrespecttotherespondentandareofferedtoproveconsent.
Thepartieswillbepermittedtomakeaten(10)minuteoralclosingstatement.
ThehearingpanelwilldeliberateprivatelytodeterminewhethertherespondentviolatedtheUniversity’sTitleIXPolicy,andtodetermineappropriatesanctions,ifany,andappropriateremedies,ifany.
Thehearingpanelshallseektoreachconsensusinadjudicatingcases.Intheeventthereisnoconsensus,amajorityvoteshalldeterminetheoutcome.
1.Withinten(10)businessdays,thepanelwillissueitswrittendeterminationsimultaneouslytothepartiesanditwillinclude:
a.IdentificationoftheallegationspotentiallyconstitutingsexualharassmentasdefinedinthisPolicy.
b.Adescriptionoftheproceduralstepstaken,fromthereceiptoftheformalcomplaintthroughthedetermination,includinganynotificationstotheparties,interviewswithpartiesandwitnesses,sitevisits,methodsusedtogatherotherevidence,andhearingsheld.
c.Findingsoffactsupportingthedetermination.
d.ConclusionsregardingtheapplicationofthePolicytothefacts;
e.Astatementof,andrationalefor,theresultastoeachallegation,includingadeterminationregardingresponsibility,anydisciplinarysanctionstheUniversityimposesontherespondent,andwhetherremediesdesignedtorestoreorpreserveequalaccesstotheUniversity’seducationprogramoractivitywillbeprovidedbytheUniversitytothecomplainant;and
f.TheUniversity’sproceduresandpermissiblebasesforthecomplainantandrespondenttoappeal.
ThedeterminationbecomesfinaleitheronthedatethattheUniversityprovidesthepartieswiththewrittendeterminationoftheappeal,ifanappealisfiled,orifanappealisnotfiled,thedateonwhichanappealwouldnolongerbeconsideredtimely.
TheTitleIXCoordinatorisresponsibleforeffectiveimplementationofanyremediesandwillcommunicateanyapplicablesanctionstotheappropriateUniversityofficeforimplementation.
RecordsrelatedtothehearingandthedeterminationwillberetainedbytheDivisionofEquity,Inclusion&CommunityImpact.AcopyofthedeterminationwillalsobeprovidedtotheappropriateUniversityofficeifapplicable.
Apartymayappealadismissalofaformalcomplaintwithinfive(5)businessdaysofreceiptofthenoticeofdismissal.Theappealmustbemadeinwritingandstatethebasesfortheappeal.Thewrittenappealmustbesentviaemailto:
VicePresidentforEquity,Inclusion&CommunityImpact
UniversityofCincinnati
Uponreceiptofanappeal,theVicePresidentforEquity,Inclusion&CommunityImpactand/ordesignee,willnotifybothpartiesoftheappealandprovideacopyoftheappealingparty’swrittenappealstatement,identifytheappealofficerassignedtothematter,providenoticeregardinghowtoobjecttotheappealofficerbasedonbiasand/orconflictofinterest,andprovidethenon-appealingpartyfive(5)businessdaystorespondtotheappealingparty’sstatement.
Uponreceiptofanappeal,theVicePresidentforEquity,Inclusion&CommunityImpact,and/ordesignee,willassignanappealofficerwhowasnotinvolvedinthedismissaldetermination.TheUniversitywillensurethattheappealofficercomplieswiththeguidelinesofthisPolicy.
Unlesscircumstanceswarrantadditionalreview,withintwenty(20)businessdaysafterreceiptofallstatementsfromtheparties,theappealofficerwillissueawrittendecisiondescribingtheresultoftheappealandtherationalefortheresultandprovideitsimultaneouslytotheparties.
Allappealdeterminationsarefinal.NoticeoftheUniversity’sappealdeterminationshallbeprovidedtothepartiesandappropriatecampusentitiesand/orofficesnecessarytoimplementthedetermination.
Anappealofthedeterminationregardingresponsibilitymaybemadebythecomplainant(s)and/orrespondent(s)ononeormoreofthefollowingbases:
Apartymayappealahearingwrittendeterminationwithinfive(5)businessdaysofreceiptofthewrittendeterminationofresponsibleornotresponsible.Theappealmustbemadeinwritingandstatethebasisandreasoningfortheappeal.Thewrittenappealmustbesentto:
TheVicePresidentforEquity,Inclusion&CommunityImpactand/ordesignee,willassignthreeappealpanelmemberswhowerenotonthehearingpanelthatdecidedthematter.TheUniversitywillensurethattheappealpanelmemberscomplywiththeguidelinesofthisPolicy.
Uponreceiptofanappeal,theVicePresidentforEquity,Inclusion&CommunityImpactand/ordesignee,willnotifybothpartiesoftheappealandprovideacopyoftheappealingparty’swrittenappealstatement,identifytheappealpanelmembersassignedtothematter,providenoticeregardinghowtoobjecttomembersoftheappealpanelbasedonbiasand/orconflictofinterest,andprovidethenon-appealingpartyfive(5)businessdaystorespondtotheappealingparty’sstatement.
Unlesscircumstanceswarrantadditionalreview,withintwenty(20)businessdaysafterreceiptofallstatementsfromtheparties,awrittendecisiondescribingtheresultoftheappealandtherationalefortheresultwillbeissuedandprovidedsimultaneouslytotheparties.Theappealpanelmay:
Remedieswillbeprovidedtoacomplainant,asappropriate,whenadeterminationofresponsibilityforsexualharassmenthasbeenmadeagainsttherespondent.RemediesmustbedesignedtorestoreorpreserveequalaccesstotheUniversity’seducationprogram,activity,oremployment,andmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,referraltocounselingandhealthservices,referraltotheEmployeeAssistanceProgram,transfer,reassignment,housingchanges,academicsupport,climatesurveys,training,andothereducationalprogramming.
StudentsfoundtohaveengagedinprohibitedconductinviolationofthisPolicyaresubjecttoarangeofsanctionswhichinclude:educationalconferencesand/ordiscussions,reflectionpapers,educationalworkshops,servicetotheUniversityorUniversitycommunity;restrictionsontherightofaccesstocampusfacilities,events,andparticipationinstudentorganizationsorevents;removalfromactivities,courses,andUniversityhousing;andprobation,suspension,ordismissalfromtheUniversity,assetforthintheStudentCodeofConduct.
EmployeesfoundtohaveengagedinprohibitedconductinviolationofthisPolicymaybesubjecttodisciplineincluding,butnotlimitedto,educationalconferences;educationalworkshopsand/ordiscussions;servicetotheUniversityorUniversitycommunity;restrictionsontherightofaccesstocampusfacilitiesandUniversityevents;removalfromactivitiesandUniversityevents;andwarning,reprimand,counseling,demotion,suspension,orterminationassetforthbytheUniversity’sHumanResourcespoliciesandproceduresand/ortheapplicablecollectivebargainingagreements.
Volunteersandthirdparties,includingvisitors,guests,programparticipants,vendors,contractors,subcontractors,orotherpersonswhodobusinesswiththeUniversity,maybesubjecttobansfromcampus,terminationofparticipationinactivitiesorprograms,orterminationofcontractualarrangementswiththeUniversity.
TheUniversitydoesnotinfringeuponrightsprotectedbytheFirstAmendmentoftheConstitution.TheUniversitymaysanctionactsinviolationofthisPolicythatdonotqualifyforFirstAmendmentprotection.
Universitypolicy,statelaw,andfederallawprohibitretaliationagainstanindividualforreportingingoodfaithcomplaintsofsexualharassment,fortheindividual’sgoodfaithparticipationinaninvestigation,orforotherwiseassertingprotectedrightsingoodfaith.Retaliationisaseriousviolationthatcansubjecttheoffendertosanctionsindependentofthemeritsofthecomplaintofsexualharassment.
NeithertheUniversitynoranyotherpersonmayintimidate,threaten,coerce,ordiscriminateagainstanyindividualforthepurposeofinterferingwithanyrightorprivilegesecuredbyTitleIXorthisPolicyorbecausetheindividualhasmadeareportorcomplaint,testified,assisted,orparticipatedorrefusedtoparticipateinanymannerinaninvestigation,proceeding,orhearingunderthisPolicy.Intimidation,threats,coercion,ordiscrimination,includingchargesagainstanindividualforcodeofconductviolationsthatdonotinvolvesexualharassment,butariseoutofthesamefactsorcircumstancesasareportorcomplaintofsexualharassment,orareportorformalcomplaintofsexualharassment,forthepurposeofinterferingwithanyrightorprivilegesecuredbyTitleIXorthispolicy,constituteretaliation.ComplaintsallegingretaliationmaybefiledaccordingtothegrievanceproceduresforsexualharassmentprovidedinthisPolicy.
TheexerciseofrightsprotectedundertheFirstAmendmentdoesnotconstituteprohibitedretaliation.Charginganindividualwithacodeofconductviolationformakingamateriallyfalsestatementinbadfaithinthecourseofagrievanceproceedingdoesnotconstituteretaliationprovided,however,thatadeterminationregardingresponsibility,alone,isnotsufficienttoconcludethatanypartymadeamateriallyfalsestatementinbadfaith.
TheUniversitywillensurethatTitleIXCoordinators,investigators,decision-makers,andanypersonwhofacilitatesaninformalresolutionprocesswillreceivetrainingonthedefinitionofsexualharassment;thescopeoftheUniversity'seducationprogramoractivity;howtoconductaninvestigationandgrievanceprocessincludinghearings,appeals,andinformalresolutionprocesses,asapplicable;and,howtoserveimpartially,includingbyavoidingprejudgementofthefactsatissue,conflictsofinterest,andbias.TheUniversitywillensurethathearingpanelmembersreceivetrainingonanytechnologytobeusedatalivehearingandonissuesofrelevanceofquestionsandevidence,includingwhenquestionsandevidenceaboutthecomplainant’ssexualpredispositionorpriorsexualbehaviorarenotrelevant.
TheUniversitywillensurethathearingpanelmembersreceivetrainingonanytechnologytobeusedatalivehearingandonissuesofrelevanceofquestionsandevidence,includingwhenquestionsandevidenceaboutthecomplainant'ssexualpredispositionorpriorsexualbehaviorarenotrelevant.
TheUniversitywillensurethatinvestigatorsreceivetrainingonissuesofrelevancetocreateaninvestigativereportthatfairlysummarizesrelevantevidence.
AnymaterialsusedtotrainTitleIXCoordinators,investigators,grievancepanelmembers,appealpanelmembers,andanypersonwhofacilitatesaninformalresolutionprocess,willnotrelyonsexstereotypesandwillpromoteimpartialinvestigationsandadjudicationsofformalcomplaintsofsexualharassment.
TheUniversityiscommittedtopreventingandeliminatingsexualharassment.Tothatend,theUniversity’sDivisionofEquity,Inclusion&CommunityImpact,HumanResources,andtheDivisionofStudentAffairshavedevelopededucationalawarenessprogramstoinformstaff,faculty,andstudentsaboutissuessuchasdiversityandinclusion,equalopportunity,understandingimplicitbias,respectfulworkplace,teamworkcommunications,discrimination,sexdiscrimination,sexualharassment,gender-basedviolence,datingviolence,domesticviolence,andintimatepartnerviolence.
TheUniversitywillcontinueitsongoingmissionoftrainingandinformingstudents,faculty,andstaffaboutidentifyingandpreventingdiscrimination,harassment,andretaliation,aswellasadvisingmembersoftheUniversitycommunityoftheirrightsandresponsibilitiesunderthisPolicy.
TheUniversitywillmaintainforaperiodofatleastsevenyears,thefollowingrecords:
ThedocumentationofcertainbasesormeasuresdoesnotlimittheUniversityinthefuturefromprovidingadditionalexplanationsordetailingadditionalmeasurestaken.
UniversityofCincinnati2600CliftonAve.CincinnatiOh45220513-556-5000
UniversityofCincinnati|2600CliftonAve.|Cincinnati,OH45221|ph:513-556-6000