Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Cedarville University is a Christ-centered institution of higher education that is committed to the biblical principle that all human beings are created in the image of God.  Cedarville University is also committed to maintaining and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment founded on the biblical principles of love and mutual respect.  Because of these beliefs, the University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities.  

The University is committed to promoting respect for the bodily integrity of all persons, the virtues of chastity, and the sacredness of human sexuality.  The University affirms that sexual relationships are designed by God to be expressed solely within a marriage between a man and a woman.  Sexual activity outside the confines of marriage is inconsistent with biblical principles and is prohibited by University policies.

The University seeks to provide programs, activities, and an educational environment free from sex discrimination.  Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states, in relevant part:

“No person in the United states shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or any activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Ohio law and implementing regulations, Cedarville does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, including but not limited to recruitment, admissions, housing, athletic and extracurricular activities, discipline, distribution of financial assistance, distribution of institutional resources, hiring practices, employment, promotion, and policies.

Sex discrimination, as used in this policy, means any form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX and its implementing regulations.  This policy defines Prohibited Conduct to include sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual acts not involving contact. This policy also prohibits retaliation. Prohibited Conduct is antithetical to the standards and ideals of our community and will not be tolerated.  Further, both men and women are protected from Prohibited Conduct, and Prohibited Conduct is prohibited regardless of the sex of the individual engaging in the conduct.  Prohibited Conduct is a matter of particular concern to an academic community in which students, faculty and staff are related by strong bonds of intellectual and spiritual interdependence and trust.

Cedarville recognizes the spiritual, moral, legal, physical and psychological seriousness of all Prohibited Conduct, regardless of the level of acquaintance between the parties, however casual.  Cedarville aims to respond to and resolve these issues through education, training, clear policies, and serious consequences for violations of these policies.

Therefore, the University is committed to providing the following to members of the University community:

1. A statement of expectations for behavior with regard to community standards pertaining to Prohibited Conduct.
2. Resources aimed at reducing the risk of Prohibited Conduct, especially sexual violence, including educational programs for men and women.
3. Intervention to offer support, information, and resources, including confidential assistance such as counseling if desired, following a report of Prohibited Conduct.
4. Procedural options for resolving a Formal Complaint regarding Prohibited Conduct.
5. Student conduct and employee disciplinary procedures that address the needs and protect the rights of both parties.

The process outlined in this policy is designed to provide a prompt and equitable resolution of complaints.  The University will take action to address Prohibited Conduct and to promptly and equitably investigate complaints to promptly respond to individuals who experience Prohibited Conduct by offering supportive measures; follow a fair grievance procedure to resolve allegations of Prohibited Conduct when a complainant requests an investigation or a Title IX Coordinator decides on the University’s behalf that an investigation is necessary; and provide remedies to those who experience Prohibited Conduct.  The University may also implement awareness and/or preventative measures.

All reports of Prohibited Conduct shall be treated with gravity, dignity, and justice throughout the process.  Therefore, students and employees will be trained not do any of the following:

1. Pressure a Complainant to suppress a report of Prohibited Conduct;
2. Cause a Complainant to believe that the Complainant is responsible for the commission of any Prohibited Conduct against him/her;
3. Communicate to any Complainant that the Complainant was contributorily negligent or assumed the risk of being sexually assaulted by reason of circumstances, dress, or behavior; or 
4. Communicate to any Complainant that the University would incur unwanted publicity as a result of a report of sex discrimination. 

Students and employees will also be trained on the prohibition against retaliation in this policy.