Samford University Sexual Misconduct Policy
I. Statements of Policy and Non-Discrimination
A. Policy Statement
The mission of Samford University (“Samford” or the “University”) is to nurture persons in their development of intellect, creativity, faith, and personhood. As a Christian university, Samford fosters academic, career and ethical competency while encouraging social and civic responsibility and service to others. Consistent with, and in furtherance of these objectives and purposes, Samford is committed to providing an academic, social, and employment environment that is free from sexual harassment, assault, exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, as such terms are defined in this Policy, and which are collectively referred to as “Sexual Misconduct.” Among other things, this Policy prohibits specific Sexual Misconduct that violates Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (“VAWA”), and/or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”). It is also a violation of this Policy to retaliate against a person for filing a complaint of Sexual Misconduct or for cooperating in a Sexual Misconduct investigation, adjudication, or informal resolution. Individuals who are determined to be responsible for a violation of this Policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from employment or expulsion from the University. Samford will respond promptly and equitably to reports of Sexual Misconduct and will take appropriate action to eliminate and prevent its recurrence and correct and address its effects.
B. Notice of Non-Discrimination
In accordance with applicable federal and state laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments, the University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, religion, or any other protected status under federal, state or local law applicable to the University, in its education policies, programs, and activities, in its admissions policies, in employment policies and practices, and all other areas of the University. As a religious institution, the University is exempted from certain laws and regulations concerning discrimination.
Sex discrimination is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a federal law that provides that: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” The University is required by Title IX and its regulations not to engage in sex discrimination in its education program or activity, including admissions and employment. Sex discrimination is conduct based upon an individual’s sex that excludes an individual from participation in, denies the individual the benefits of, or treats the individual differently in, the education program or activity. Sexual Harassment, as defined in this Policy, is a form of sex discrimination. In accordance with Title IX and its regulations, this Policy addresses the University’s prohibition of the following forms of sex discrimination: Title IX Sexual Harassment, Non-Title IX Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking, and Sexual Exploitation.
The University will not tolerate Sexual Misconduct in any form. The University will promptly and equitably respond to all reports of Sexual Misconduct in order to take steps to eliminate the misconduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects on any individual or the community.
Inquiries or complaints about Title IX Sexual Harassment, Non-Title IX Sexual Harassment, or other forms of Sexual Misconduct may be directed to the University’s Title IX Coordinator: Lisa Overton, Title IX Coordinator and Student Conduct Coordinator, UC 352D, lwoverto@samford.edu, (205) 726-2764.
Inquiries or complaints may also be directed to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights: The Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-1100, Telephone: (800) 421-3481, Facsimile: (202) 453-6012 TDD#: (800) 877-8339, Email: OCR@ed.gov, http://www.ed.goviocr.
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