I. Sexual Harassment and Assault Policy

Contents

• Introduction
• Definitions
• Reporting Incidents of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault
• Judicial Proceedings for Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault
• Statement on Confidentiality
• Statement on Protection Against RetaliationStatement on Protection Against Retaliation
• Education and Training

Introduction

Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) is committed to fostering and maintaining a campus community environment free of bias and discrimination. Discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs is considered a violation of W&J's Code of Conduct, which is applicable to all campus community members---including students, faculty and staff members. In addition, certain types of discrimination may violate federal, state, and local laws. The College will not tolerate conduct that violates: 1) its code of conduct; 2) any other College policy; 3) any applicable law or regulation, whether federal, state or local; 4) or that otherwise creates an environment which is not conducive to a living-learning community. Any individual who engages in such conduct will be subject to discipline on the grounds of such conduct.

Some forms of speech that may be offensive to some members of the College community may not lawfully be punished under this policy. As an academic institution, we believe in democratic education and academic freedom. While an individual may feel uncomfortable with certain academic content or speech, no one should feel unsafe. Therefore, this policy is intended to provide guidelines for members of the college community and is not intended to confer any contractual rights or obligations. The law supersedes college policy to the extent that any provision in this policy is or may be interpreted to be inconsistent with the requirements of Pennsylvania state or federal law. The College will adhere to the applicable law.