INDEX

Introduction
Table of Contents

Policies in Process

Preliminaries

Policies

1. Legal Authority and Governance

2. University-wide

3. Presidential Area

4. Academic Affairs

5. Business Affairs

6. Student Life

7. University Advancement

8. Administrative Services

Civil Rights Policy

Policy Statement

Marywood University declares and reaffirms a policy of equal educational and employment opportunity and non-discrimination in the provision of educational and other services to the public. Marywood University does not condone and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or assault by any member of the Marywood community upon another individual, regardless of whether the action is based on race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, creed, ancestry, religion, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Marywood University recognizes its duties and obligations under Affirmative Action, Act 504, Title IX, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. These are explicit civil and legal applications of the formulation of beliefs already cherished in Marywood's religious commitment, objectives, and practices.

Definitions

Sexual Harassment

Marywood University adopts the following definition of sexual harassment based on the statement endorsed by the American Association of University Professors, revised June 1995, and considers it applicable to the entire Marywood community:

Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

1. such advances or requests are made under circumstances implying that one's response might affect academic or personnel decisions that are subject to the influence of the person making the proposal; or
   
2. such speech or conduct is directed against another and is either abusive or severely humiliating and/or persists despite objection of the person targeted by the speech or conduct; or
   
3. such speech or conduct is reasonably regarded as offensive and substantially impairs the academic or work opportunity of students, colleagues, or co-workers. If it takes place in the teaching context, it must also be severe, pervasive, and not germane to the subject matter. The academic setting is distinct from the workplace in that wide latitude is required for professional judgment in determining the appropriate content and presentation of academic material.
   

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is defined as threats of, or deliberate physical contact of a sexual nature that is against another person's will or without consent. Examples of such behavior include, but are not limited to the following:

1. deliberate physical contact of a lewd type, including brushing, touching, grabbing, pinching, patting, hugging and kissing;
   
2. deliberate or reckless threats, actual or implied, of physical contact of a sexual nature that results in reasonable fear of sexual assault or physical harm;
   
3. coerced sexual activities, including rape. Rape, the most severe type of sexual assault, is legally defined in Pennsylvania as sexual intercourse that is coerced through force or threats of force, or with someone who is unconscious or with someone who is so mentally deranged or deficient as to be incapable of consent.
   

Procedures

In furtherance of Marywood University's commitment to its duties and obligations, regular training on harassment, discrimination and related topics is provided for managers and supervisors in the Marywood community.

A list of Marywood University and community resources is available at the Human Resources Office.

Related Policies and Committees

Policy - Civil Rights Complaint Procedures
Policy - Search Committee Procedures and Affirmative Action
Policy - Search Procedures for New Faculty
Policy - Faculty Grievances and Appeals

History of the Policy

11/03/97 - Reaffirmed by Board of Trustees and Members of the Corporation
04/15/00 - Revision approved by the Board of Trustees