Title IX and Non-discrimination

Title IX – Sexual Harassment

As a Catholic institution, Marian University is rooted in respect for the inherent dignity of each person. The University fosters a campus community that is inclusive of persons of diverse backgrounds and faiths and does not tolerate discrimination in any form by any University employee or member of the student body. The following related policies and procedures reflect this commitment as well as the University’s ongoing compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. The University does not discriminate, or tolerate discrimination by any member of its community, against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or any other factor prohibited by law in matters of admissions, employment, or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates.

Harassment, whether verbal, physical or visual, that is based on any of these characteristics, is a form of discrimination. This includes harassing conduct affecting tangible job or educational benefits, interfering unreasonably with an individual’s academic or work performance, or creating what a reasonable person would perceive is an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Additional information regarding the University’s prohibitions against non-discrimination (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual violence) is set forth below.

While the University is committed to the principles of free inquiry and free expression, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation identified in this policy are neither legally protected expression nor the proper exercise of academic freedom.

The entire policy may accessed and reviewed here.

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law that protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at colleges and universities that receive federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, and retaliation are forms of discrimination prohibited by Title IX. The law reads, in part, as follows:

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

(Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 to the 1964 Civil Rights Act)

Human Dignity Statement

Marian University was founded on the principles of the Judeo-Christian tradition. At the very center of this tradition is the affirmation of the value and sacred dignity of the human person. This principle is the cornerstone of the Marian University community.

The Marian community strives to uphold the dignity of every person and to confront challenges to that dignity. The University does not tolerate inappropriate use of power or authority by its members, nor does the University condone any other violation of human dignity. Marian University addresses violations of human dignity through the codes and processes listed in this handbook.

These behavioral codes, as listed in this handbook, govern the conduct of members of the University community. Rules emphasizing the importance of human dignity and practices that promote appropriate respect for individuality and basic human rights are intended to encourage the Marian University community to incorporate such values into interactions with all persons, whether members of the Marian community or the larger societ

Printed versions of documents on this page are available upon request. Please contact Title_IX@marianuniversity.edu

Reporting

Notice or complaints of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation may be made using any of the following options:

1) File a complaint with, or give verbal notice to, the Title IX Coordinator & Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Student Dr. Joshua Clary at jrclary96@marianuniversity.edu 920-923-7621. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or email address, or by mail to the office address, listed for the Title IX Coordinator or any other official listed.

2) Report online, using the reporting form posted by clicking here. Anonymous reports are accepted but can give rise to a need to investigate. The Recipient tries to provide supportive measures to all Complainants, which may be impossible with an anonymous report. Because reporting carries no obligation to initiate a formal response, and as the Recipient respects Complainant requests to dismiss complaints unless there is a compelling threat to health and/or safety, the Complainant is largely in control and should not fear a loss of privacy by making a report that allows the Recipient to discuss and/or provide supportive measures.

A Formal Complaint means a document submitted or signed by the Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging a policy violation by a Respondent and requesting that the University investigate the allegation(s). A complaint may be filed with the Title IX Coordinator in person, by mail, or by electronic mail, by using the contact information in the section immediately above, or as described in this section. As used in this paragraph, the phrase “document filed by a Complainant” means a document or electronic submission (such as by electronic mail or through an online portal provided for this purpose by the University) that contains the Complainant’s physical or digital signature, or otherwise indicates that the Complainant is the person filing the complaint, and requests that the University investigate the allegations.

If notice is submitted in a form that does not meet this standard, the Title IX Coordinator will contact the Complainant to ensure that it is filed correctly.

Support

All members of the University community have the right to be free from sex discrimination in the form of sexual harassment and unwanted sexual contact.  Sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic/family violence, and stalking are prohibited by federal law, state law and University policy.  Marian University is committed to appropriately addressing alleged acts of sexual harassment and sexual violence whether the behavior occurs on or off campus that impact students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the campus.

It is important to note the options for assistance following any incident of sexual harassment or sexual violence.  These options are listed below.  Please remember that in cases of sexual assault, whether or not an individual chooses to formally report an incident, receiving immediate medical attention and/or counseling is vital to the person’s overall health and wellness.  Likewise, seeking immediate medical attention is vital to preserve evidence if an investigation is to follow. Learn more about support and appeals.