Sexual Harassment Policy

  1. It is the stated policy of Juniata College to promote and maintain a campus environment free of all forms of discrimination, intimidation, and exploitation, including sexual harassment. The use of one's institutional position or authority to seek or solicit unwanted sexual relations with a member of the Juniata College community is incompatible with the mutual trust and respect among members of the college community fundamental of the mission of Juniata College.
  2. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other physical, visual or verbal conduct based on sex constitutes sexual harassment when:
    • Submission to the conduct is an explicit (clear) or implicit (implied) term  condition of an individual's employment or academic work;
    • Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment or academic decision, or;
    • Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, or academic environment.
  3. Sexual harassment violates the ethical and professional standards of the Juniata College community, and is illegal under applicable state and federal law. Such conduct will not be tolerated or condoned by Juniata College; any person who engages in acts of sexual harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by the College, including suspension and/or permanent separation from the College.
  4. Administrative Procedures
    • Any person who believes that he or she has been a victim of sexual harassment, or who believes that he or she has witnessed conduct that would constitute sexual harassment, should report the matter to the immediate attention of one of the following College officials: the Provost, the Dean of Students or the Director of Human Resources. The report should be made as soon as possible after the incident of alleged harassment occurs; failure to report the matter promptly to one of the College officials named above may hamper effective administrative action, and preclude recourse to subsequent legal proceedings.
    • Upon receiving a report of alleged sexual harassment, the College official will make every effort to investigate the report fully and fairly. If after an initial informal meeting with the College official, the alleged victim of sexual harassment (the complainant) decides to proceed with a complaint, the complainant should provide the official with a written statement that presents all pertinent information concerning the specific act, behavior, or conduct alleged to constitute sexual harassment. Upon receipt of such a written complaint, the official will notify the alleged offender (the respondent) in writing of the allegation.
    • Upon notification of the respondent, the College official will initiate such action as he or she may consider appropriate and necessary to effect a resolution of the complaint acceptable to the complainant and respondent, and consistent with Juniata College policy. If such a resolution is achieved through these efforts, the case will be closed. A written statement prepared by the official listing his or her finding, the terms and conditions of the resolution, and a waiver of the right to a formal hearing, will be signed and dated by the complainant and respondent, and acknowledged by the official, who will retain the original for his or her files, and provide a copy to the complainant and respondent.
    • Cases of alleged sexual harassment involve particularly sensitive issues and require special attention to ensure confidentiality and fairness. Dissemination of information concerning allegations of sexual harassment will be strictly limited on a need to know basis by College officials; every effort will be made to safeguard the privacy and reputation of all individuals involved, and to protect those involved from unprofessional, inappropriate, or retaliatory action resulting from an initial report or complaint, and any subsequent investigation or proceedings.