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900.17 - Addressing Prohibited Sexual Misconduct, Harassment, and Discrimination

University Group Policy #900.17

I.    Executive Summary

The University is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all community members. The University values safety, diversity, education, and equity and is firmly committed to maintaining a campus environment free from sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination. This Policy and associated Procedures are grounded in The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“The Clery Act”), the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA.”) and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (‘Title IX”). The Policy covers a broad range of conduct because any of these behaviors can impact the ability of campus community members to live, learn and work successfully and comfortably.

II.  Policy Statement

This Policy prohibits specific acts, including Intimate Partner Violence, Forcible Fondling, Rape, Sex/Gender-based Harassment, Sex/Gender-based Discrimination, Sexual Exploitation, Stalking, Statutory Rape, Retaliation, Interference with Procedures, and Complicity (herein referred to as “Prohibited Conduct”). 
 
The Title IX Coordinator, in consultation with other administrators, can implement reasonable and appropriate Supportive Measures to restore or preserve equal access to the University’s Educational Program or Activities and to protect the safety of the parties.
 
When a Formal Complaint under this Policy is filed, as detailed in the related Procedures, the University can initiate a formal investigation and adjudication of the alleged Policy violation.

III.    Roles and Responsibilities

Inquiries or concerns about this policy may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator.

Kayla Rudisel, JD
Title IX Coordinator
O: 123 Blair Hall
601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27110
P: 336-750-8758 
E:

IV.     Applicability

Reports of conduct that meet the definition of Sexual Harassment and the jurisdictional requirements in the University’s Policy for Addressing Prohibited Sexual Harassment Under Title IX will be addressed solely under the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and will not be addressed under this Policy.
 

This policy applies to conduct on campus or property owned or controlled by WSSU, at WSSU-sponsored events, or in buildings owned or controlled by WSSU’s recognized student organizations. WSSU may extend jurisdiction to off-campus and online conduct when the Title IX Coordinator determines that the conduct affects a substantial WSSU interest. A substantial WSSU interest includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  1.  Any action that constitutes a criminal offense as defined by law. This includes, but is not limited to, single or repeated violations of any local, state, or federal law.
  2. Any situation in which it is determined that Respondent poses an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any student or other individual.
  3. Any situation that significantly impinges upon the rights, property, or achievements of oneself or others, breaches the peace or causes social disorder.
  4. Any situation detrimental to the educational interests or mission of WSSU.
 
This Policy and associated Procedures also provides students and applicants affected by Pregnancy or Related Medical Condition reasonable accommodations that are necessary to afford such Students an equal opportunity to participate in the University’s educational programs or activities, to the extent that such accommodations would not result in a Fundamental Alteration of an academic program or impose an Undue Burden on the University.

Responsible Division: Vice Chancellor for Institutional Integrity

Authority: Chancellor

History:

  • Adopted: February 27, 2023

Related Resources: