I. Overview of Sex Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct
As a fundamental policy and in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (“Title IX”), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and all other applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws, Centre College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, disability, veteran's status, or genetic information in its educational programs and activities, admissions, and with regard to employment. Harassment based on an individual’s legally protected status is a form of prohibited discrimination. Centre College hires and promotes its employees and admits its students on the basis of merit, qualification, and character. This Policy addresses the College’s prohibition of sex discrimination. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of sexual misconduct are forms of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX and the College’s conduct standards and policies prohibiting sex discrimination.
Centre College is committed to a safe and healthy environment and, as such, will not tolerate sex discrimination or sexual misconduct of any kind. In addition to violating this Policy, any form of sex discrimination or sexual misconduct may also be a violation of federal and state laws.
Except as necessary for compliance with Title IX and other federal and state laws, prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex (where sex includes sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity) is defined as action(s) that cause an individual to be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, or other education program or activity operated by Centre College.
Sexual misconduct is a broad category of behaviors that includes but is not limited to sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse (including sexual abuse of a minor), dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, cyber-stalking, bullying, and cyberbullying when based on sex or gender.
This Policy also expressly prohibits aiding or facilitating the commission of sexual misconduct and retaliation against any individual involved in a claim or in bringing a claim or supporting someone who brings a claim under this Policy.
Sexual misconduct can occur between strangers or non-strangers, including people involved in a dating, intimate, or sexual relationship. Sexual misconduct can be committed by or experienced by persons of any gender, and it can occur between people of the same or different gender.
In addition to violating Centre College policy, some prohibited behaviors violate Federal Title IX Policy, which applies to a more narrowly defined set of circumstances. In instances where a report or complaint violates Title IX, additional procedures may be necessary for the College to follow to comply with Title IX; where these additional procedures are needed will be noted in the applicable sections of this policy. For a report to be defined as a violation of Federal Title IX Policy, the allegations must meet the following criteria:
• Must have occurred in the United States.
• Must have occurred in the College’s educational program or activity.
• Must fall under one of these three behaviors:
o An employee of the College conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the College on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (Quid Pro Quo);
o Unwelcome conduct determined from the perspective of a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the College’s educational programs or activities; or
o Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as defined by the Violence Against Women Act.
Sex discrimination, sexual misconduct, and other terms found within this Policy are defined in Section V below.
All students, faculty, staff (including medical staff), volunteers, contractors, and visitors of the College, regardless of role, tenure, or compensation, are subject to this Policy. Sexual misconduct committed in connection with any College-sponsored activity is prohibited whether on or off campus. This Policy may also apply to off-campus conduct that the College has determined may cause an unacceptable disruption to the College or which may infringe on an individual’s right to a non-discriminatory education and/or work environment.
Individuals who violate this Policy are subject to disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the College; up to and including termination for employees, contractors, and volunteers; and up to and including no trespass orders for guests. Students are subject to sanctions up to and including suspension and expulsion. The complete list of possible sanctions for a violation of this Policy is included below in Section IV.