Title IX (Sex or Gender-Based Harassment/Discrimination) Policy and Resources
Andrews University recognizes that God has created every individual, male and female, equal in His image and endowed with unique value. As Creator and Redeemer, He calls us with loving grace and empowers us to give each of His children the utmost respect in speech and action and to expect the same from others.
Andrews University expects its community members to follow biblical guidelines for intimacy and sexual relationships. (See Code of Student Conduct and Employee Working Policy.) While some portions of this policy may address intimate or sexual activities outside of marriage, such content should not be seen as condoning these actions. The University is committed to protecting the members of its community against all forms of sex or gender-based harassment/ discrimination—regardless of the context in which it arises.
Introduction
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (gender) in educational programs and activities that receive federal assistance. "On the basis of sex" does not require that the conduct be sexual in nature.
Sex or gender-based harassment/discrimination is a form of sex discrimination and means sexual harassment and other harassment on the basis of sex or gender, including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation and gender identity when it takes the form of:
(1) "quid pro quo harassment" (e.g., when an employee conditions a benefit on a person's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct);
(2) "hostile environment harassment" (Unwelcome sex or gender-based conduct that, based on the totality of the circumstances, is subjectively and objectively offensive and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person's ability to participate in or benefit from the University's education program or activity.); and/or
(3) "specific offenses" (e.g., sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking)(§ 106.10 & 106.2).
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Andrews University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits unlawful discrimination in its educational programs and activities against any member of its community on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic in matters of admission, employment, housing or any aspect of its educational programs and activities (i.e., academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training or other education program or activity).
In the limited circumstances in which Title IX permits different treatment or separation on the basis of sex, the University will not unlawfully carry out such different treatment or separation in a manner that discriminates on the basis of sex by subjecting a person to more than de minimis harm, except as permitted by 20 U.S.C. 1681(a)(1) through (9) and the corresponding regulations §§ 106.12 through 106.15, 20 U.S.C. 1686 and its corresponding regulation § 106.32(b)(1), or § 106.41(b). De minimis harm does not apply to the University having sex-separate athletic teams or sex-separate housing.
As a religious institution, the University retains its constitutional and statutory rights to make employment, admission and educational decisions in a manner that is consistent with the University's Code of Student Conduct, "Working Policy," "Employee Handbook" and with the tenets of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Such rights are conferred upon religious institutions by various laws.
The University further claims the right to disregard the provisions of Title IX set forth in 34 CFR Sections 86.21, 86.31, 86.40, and 86.57(b) insofar as they conflict with the teachings and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Notwithstanding the University's constitutional and statutory rights to make employment, admission and educational decisions in a manner that is consistent with the tenets of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, harassment on the basis of any of the characteristics listed in this section is strictly prohibited.
The University will promptly and effectively address any such discrimination of which it has knowledge/notice using the resolution process identified in this policy.
Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the University's Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, or both. The University's TitleIX Coordinator is Alyssa Palmer, Campus Center, Student Life 269-471-6684, alyssap@andrews.edu.
To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or to make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to the online reporting form or contact the Title IX Coordinator, Alyssa Palmer, in the Student Life office located on the first floor of the Campus Center.
Scope
This policy is only applicable to alleged incidents that occur after August 1, 2024. For alleged incidents of sex or gender-based harassment/discrimination occurring prior to August 1, 2024, the policy in place at the time of the alleged incident applies. Applicable versions of those policies are available from the Title IX Coordinator.
This policy applies to all faculty, employees, students and other individuals participating in or attempting to participate in the University's programs or activities, including education and employment.
