The Counseling Center Purdue University Northwest Sexual Violence: knowing your rights Policies and authorities of Purdue University

Educating yourself A person may become a victim of any form of sexual violence regardless of their age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. Institutions of learning DO NOT tolerate any type of sexual violence or discrimination. Remember that you have rights if you have become a victim of sexual violence and/or discrimination.

Defining sexual violence and discrimination Sexual violence refers to any type of sexual activity that occurs when the victim does not give consent, or the consent is not freely given (CDC, 2011). Sexual discrimination is the act of treating an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of their sex. Sexual discrimination also involves treating a person unfavorably because of their connection with an organization/group that is commonly associated with people of a certain sex (EEOC).

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq., and its implementing regulations, 34 C.F.R. Part 106, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities operated by recipients of Federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment of students, which includes acts of sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. In other words, sexual violence (in any form) is not acceptable in institutions of higher learning, and perpetrators of these crimes are subject to consequences of the law (U.S. Department of Education, 2011).

Title ix resources “Dear colleague” letter (April 4, 2011) from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Russlynn Ali. This letter provides guidance and examples about Title IX requirements and how they relate to sexual harassment and sexual violence, discusses proactive efforts schools can take to prevent sexual violence and educate employees and students, and provides examples of the types of remedies schools and OCR may use to respond to sexual violence. You may access this document at their website. Title IX and sex discrimination This document summarizes the requirements pertaining to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. You may access this document at their website. http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-201104.pdf at: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/tix_dis.html

Purdue university: policies and authorities Anti-Harassment (III.C.1) This outlines the system-wide campus policy which is designed to prevent and sanction incidents of Harassment within the university. Statement of Policy Purdue University is committed to maintaining an environment that recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding and mutual respect; and encourages its members to strive to reach their potential. Any individual or group of individuals found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary or remedial action, up to and including termination of employment or expulsion from the University. Faculty and staff who are determined to have violated this policy also may be held personally liable for any damages, settlement costs or expenses, including attorney fees incurred by the University.

Purdue university: policies and authorities Anti-Harassment (III.C.1) This outlines the system-wide campus policy which is designed to prevent and sanction incidents of Harassment within the university. A.) Sexual harassment is any act of sexual violence, any act of sexual exploitation and/or any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors or other written, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, education or participation in a University activity; Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for, or a factor in, decisions affecting that individual's employment, education or participation in a University activity; or Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's employment or academic performance or creating an intimidating, offensive or hostile environment for that individual's employment, education or participation in a University activity. PNW’s anti-harassment and violent behavior policy include sexual harassment and any acts of sexual violence.

Purdue university: policies and authorities Anti-Harassment (III.C.1) continued This outlines the system-wide campus policy which is designed to prevent and sanction incidents of Harassment within the university. B.) Sexual Violence is defined as any nonconsensual sexual act, including but not limited to rape, sexual assault, sexual battery and sexual coercion. Sexual violence also includes relationship violence.

Purdue university: policies and authorities Anti-Harassment (III.C.1) The Purdue University Anti-Harassment Policy can be accessed at their website. http://www.purdue.edu/policies/ethics/iiic1.html

Purdue university: policies and authorities Violent Behavior (IV.A.3) This outlines the system-wide campus policy that prohibits violent behavior on any university facility or while participating in any university activity. Statement of Policy Violent Behavior is prohibited in or on any University Facility or while participating in any university activity. Purdue University employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Purdue University students who violate this policy on or off University Facilities may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion, as provided in the Regulations Governing Student Conduct.

PNW counseling Center contact info Hammond Campus 2200 169th Street Gyte 005 Hammond, Indiana 46323 Westville Campus 1401 S. U.S. Hwy. 421 TECH 101 Westville, Indiana 46391

Purdue university: policies and authorities Violent Behavior (IV.A.3) The Purdue University Violent Behavior Policy can be accessed at their website. http://www.purdue.edu/policies/facilities-safety/iva3.html

references Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011, February 9). Understanding Sexual Violence: Fact Sheet. Retrieved August 19, 2011 from SV Fact Sheet U.S. Department of Education. (2009, April 2). Know Your Rights: Title IX Prohibits Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Where You Go to School. Retrieved August 22, 2011 from Title IX Rights U.S. Equal Employee Opportunity Commission. Sex Based Discrimination. Retrieved August 29, 2011 from Equal Employee Opportunity Commission