It is the intent of Betania International University to protect the environment of the school from sexual harassment. Not only is sexual harassment a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it also undermines the integrity of the employment and academic environment, debilitates morale, and interferes with the effectiveness of employees and students.
At Betania International University, sexual harassment is defined:
- Unwelcome or unwanted sexual advances. This includes unwelcome physical contact or sexual advances considered unacceptable by another individual;
- Requests or demands for sexual favors. This includes subtle or blatant pressures or requests for any type of sexual favor, accompanied by an implied or stated promise of preferential treatment or negative consequence concerning one’s student status;
- Verbal abuse that is sexually oriented or considered unacceptable by another individual, as well as sexually derogatory comments. This includes commenting about an individual's body or appearance when such comments go or other tasteless sexually-oriented comments or innuendoes or actions that offend others;
- Engaging in any type of sexually oriented conduct that would unreasonably interfere with another’s performance.
- Creating an environment that is intimidating, hostile, or offensive because of unwelcome or unwanted sexually oriented conversations, suggestions, requests, demands, physical contacts, or attentions.
Normal, non-coercive interaction that is acceptable to both parties is not considered to be sexual harassment. At Betania International University, sexual harassment by employees of students is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
- Submission to such conduct is made to appear to be a term or condition of enrollment, attendance, or participation in a class;
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct affects academic decisions;
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student's academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive academic environment;
- Unwelcome physical contact, including but not limited to, patting, pinching, or touching; or
- Offensive or demeaning sexual remarks, jokes, or gestures.
Students aggrieved by a violation of this policy may file a grievance by reporting the conduct to any University Administrator. All allegations of sexual harassment of or by a student, faculty member, or any other University personnel will be promptly and thoroughly investigated by the University Officers.
Betania International University recognizes sexual harassment as an insidious practice and will not tolerate sexual harassment in any manner or form. Persons sexually harassing others will be dealt with swiftly and vigorously. Any individual who violates any portion of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.