Discrimination & Harassment

Shippensburg University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy and parenting students, religion, and veteran status. Discriminatory conduct and harassment violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Conduct prohibited by this policy may also violate applicable federal and state law. This policy shall not be construed to restrict academic freedom at the University, nor shall it be construed to restrict constitutionally protected expression.

Definitions

Discrimination: Conduct of any nature that denies an individual the opportunity to participate in or benefit from a University program or activity, or otherwise adversely affects a term or condition of an individual’s employment, education, or living environment, because of age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, religion, and veteran status.

Harassment: Behavior consisting of physical or verbal conduct that is sufficiently severe or pervasive such that it substantially interferes with an individual’s employment, education or access to University programs, activities or opportunities and would detrimentally affect a reasonable person under the same circumstances. Harassment may include, but is not limited to, verbal or physical attacks, graphic or written statements, threats, or slurs. Whether the alleged conduct constitutes prohibited harassment depends on the totality of the particular circumstances, including the nature, frequency and duration of the conduct in question, the location and context in which it occurs and the status of the individuals involved.

Retaliation: Any action, directly or through others, which is aimed to deter a reasonable person from reporting misconduct or participating in an investigation or hearing or action that is done in response to such activities. This includes but is not limited to intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing under this Policy. A finding of retaliation under this Policy is not dependent on a finding that the underlying misconduct occurred.

To report any act of discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation, use this form - Online Discrimination, Harassment or Retaliation Form

View entire Anti-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy