SEXUAL HARASSMENT

SCOPE

All employees, independent contractors, vendors and others who do business with the College or on College premises are expected to ensure compliance with this policy, and if they fail to do so, the College will take appropriate action.

POLICY

Albion College is committed to providing faculty, staff and students with a community and living environment where work and study is free of sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment. Therefore, Albion College acknowledges its belief that:

1. Sexual harassment is included under the heading of unprofessional conduct threatening the academic freedom of others;

2. Sexual harassment is illegal under Title VII and Title IX, is demeaning to all persons involved, impairs the academic mission of the College and, therefore, will not be tolerated; and

3. Sexual harassment is a problem which requires a distinct mechanism to seek redress, as well as due process protection for the accused.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or education; or

2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting that individual; or

3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's academic, professional or work performance; or

4. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment, educational or living environment.

PROCEDURE

Any employee who feels she/he has been subject to sexual harassment should contact a designated Conferee to discuss the situation. The names of current Conferees are available from the Anna Howard Shaw Center for Women's Studies and Programs, the Office of Human Resources, the Office of the Provost, and the Office of the Vice President and Dean for Student Affairs.

The Conferees will meet to determine whether the complaint falls within the definition of sexual harassment.

If the Conferees determine that a complaint falls within the definition of sexual harassment, it may be resolved informally or placed before the Sexual Harassment Grievance Committee for hearing.

A copy of the complete policy on sexual harassment is available through the Human Resources Office.

Cabinet reviewed 7/97