TITLE IX

Sexual and gender-based harassment, including sexual violence, are forms of sex discrimination that limit a person’s ability to benefit from or participate in University programs or activities. Sex discrimination is prohibited at the University of Lynchburg.

The University has two policies in order to address incidents of sexual misconduct; the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and the second is referred to as the University Sexual Misconduct Policy. These policies are interrelated and should be read together. If the allegations forming the basis of a formal complaint (defined in the policies), if substantiated, would constitute prohibited conduct under both policies, then the grievance process set forth in this Title IX Sexual Harassment policy will be applied in the investigation and adjudication of all of the allegations.

This Title IX Sexual Harassment policy is based on definitions set forth in regulations promulgated by the

U.S. Department of Education under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. This policy limits the scope of Title IX Sexual Harassment to, among other things, conduct that occurs within the United States and conduct that occurs within the University’s education program or activity (a concept further defined in the policy).

The University Sexual Misconduct policy applies only to certain conduct, as defined under that policy. Specifically, the University Sexual Misconduct policy applies to forms of sexual misconduct that do not fall under the scope of the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy, including Sexual Exploitation, Improper Conduct related to Sex, and University Sexual Harassment. The University Sexual Misconduct policy also applies to certain conduct that would otherwise be prohibited under the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy (e.g., Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking), but which must be dismissed under the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy because they do not meet the jurisdictional requirements.

The University responds to reports and/or formal complaints of conduct prohibited under this policy.  Students/faculty/staff receive educational training and information about sexual harassment and misconduct to help prevent prohibited conduct, its recurrence as well as options in addressing the issues.