I. Introduction and Statement of Policy
As a Catholic and Franciscan institution of higher education, Franciscan University stands with the Catholic Church in seeing "in men and women, in every person, the living image of God himself. This image finds, and must always find anew, an even deeper and fuller unfolding of itself in the mystery of Christ...and [the Church] invites all people to recognize in everyone...a brother or sister 'for whom Christ died." (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church # 105). This understanding is the basis for the University's commitment to promote and to defend the human dignity of all persons as Franciscan University strives to provide a learning, working, and living environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, discriminatory or sexual harassment, sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence. Unlawful discrimination, harassment and sexual violence subvert the mission of our University, strike against the University’s Catholic and Franciscan values, and threaten the careers, educational experience, and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
All students, faculty, and staff at the University have the right to expect an environment that allows them to enjoy the full benefits of their work or learning experience. It is, therefore, the policy of Franciscan that no member of the University community may engage in conduct which discriminates against or harasses another individual or group on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, veteran’s status or any other criteria protected by applicable law. Likewise, Franciscan prohibits conduct which constitutes sexual harassment, sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking as those terms are defined below.
This policy shall apply equally to all employees and students of the University and to all programs, activities and functions of the University. Visitors to and guests of the University are also expected to abide by this policy. All members of the University community, especially faculty, staff managers, and other individuals who exercise supervisory authority, have an obligation to promote an environment free from conduct which conflicts with this policy. Members of the University community who are aware of conduct that violates this policy, whether they observe the conduct directly or otherwise learn about it, are expected to report it to one of the individuals listed under Section VII (“Prompt Reporting”). All “responsible employees” (as defined in Section III) are obligated by this policy to report such conduct to one of the persons listed under Section VII to assure that the matter is handled promptly and appropriately by trained personnel and that appropriate corrective and remedial actions are taken, including interim measures. Any faculty member, student, staff employee, vendor, or visitor found to have violated this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary and/or corrective action. The corrective and/or disciplinary action will depend on the circumstances and the gravity of the violation, and may range from reprimand to dismissal, or termination. The University will also take steps, if and as appropriate, to remedy the effects of the violation for the victim and the University community as may be necessary, and to prevent recurrence of the violation.
The intent of this policy is to prohibit unlawful discrimination, discriminatory and sexual harassment, sexual assault and violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, and to promote the full realization of equal opportunity while preserving the religious nature of Franciscan University as Catholic and Franciscan as prescribed in the University's Bylaws and Mission Statement. It is understood that nothing in this policy will undermine the integrity of Franciscan University as a Catholic University. Therefore, no oral or written statement that is in conformity with the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church shall be deemed as violating this policy, and no absence of a statement, oral or written, when such silence is again in accord with Catholic teaching, shall be deemed a violation of this policy. Finally, the approved policies of academic freedom shall be respected and are understood to be consistent with the implementation of this policy.