Sexual Harassment & Sexual Misconduct Policies and Additional Information
Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination. It violates federal and state laws, Board of Regents’ policies, and Georgia Southern University policies, which provide that it shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any employer, because of the sex of any person, to discharge without cause, to refuse to hire, or to otherwise discriminate against any person with respect to any matter directly or indirectly related to employment or academic standing.
Georgia Southern University adopts the University System of Georgia’s Policies 8.2.18.5 and 6.7 that prohibit sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct. These policies extend to all members of the University’s student body, faculty and staff, and participants in the University’s programs, and applies whether the harasser is a member of the University’s student body, faculty, staff, or a provider of service to the University.
Sexual harassment may include sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Depending on the severity, it is possible for a single incident to be sufficient to constitute a hostile environment. Employees have a duty to immediately report to the Director of Equal Opportunity & Title IX (who is also the Title IX Coordinator) any incidence of sexual harassment unless they are statutorily barred from sharing such information. Students should and employees must report any potential violation of the above policies notwithstanding severity or the number of occurrences so that Georgia Southern can take steps to address harassment before it creates a hostile environment.
Georgia Southern University will respond promptly to all complaints of sexual harassment in accordance with established procedures and considering the requirements of due process. If a violation is found to have occurred, the University will take appropriate action ranging from informal resolution up to and including termination or dismissal with regard to employees, and up to and including suspension or expulsion regarding students. These policies cover sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, nonconsensual sexual contact, nonconsensual sexual penetration, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual exploitation, and stalking, including stalking using any technology.
In order that the University can take corrective measures to end the harassment a complainant of sexual misconduct may, but need not, file a criminal complaint with law enforcement officials; file a misconduct report with a Responsible Employee or the Title IX Coordinator; or file both. Reports can be filed by filling out the Report an EO/Title IX Incident form. A report may be filed anonymously, although anonymous reports may make it difficult for the institution to address the complaint. Any individual who believes that he or she has been a victim of sexual misconduct is encouraged to report allegations of sexual misconduct promptly.
Retaliation against a person who participates in a good faith investigation of a sexual harassment complaint is a violation of state and federal laws for which the offender shall be subject to disciplinary action. For more information about the procedures for reporting sexual harassment contact the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX at 912-478-5136 or TDD 912-478-0273. Inquiries concerning Title IX may be referred to the Title IX coordinator in the University’s Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX or to the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Last updated: 11/5/2020