Covenant College’s Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Introduction

The mission of Covenant College is to explore and express the preeminence of Jesus Christ in all things. We strive to educate Christians to engage culture and cultures, to examine and unfold creation, and to pursue biblical justice and mercy in community. We hold strongly to the beliefs that humans are created in the image of God, and therefore should be treated with the utmost honor, dignity, and respect.

Therefore, it is the position of the College that sexual misconduct transgresses holy law and, in addition, is a form of illegal discrimination that is abhorrent to the College. Consequently, it is the obligation of each member of the Covenant College community—administrators, faculty, staff, and students – to adhere to this policy. 

The College has enacted this Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy (the “Policy”) to reflect and maintain its institutional values and community expectations, to provide for fair and equitable procedures for determining when this Policy has been violated, and to provide recourse for individuals and the campus community in response to violations of this Policy.

 

Statement of Policy 

It is the policy of Covenant College to maintain an environment that is free of all forms of discrimination and harassment for community members, including students, faculty, administrators, staff, or Third Parties working with the College or on its property.  

Covenant College will not tolerate any form of discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex that interferes with an individual’s safety, academic or work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive living, work, or classroom environment. Consistent with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and the Violence Against Women Act, and other applicable state and federal laws, this Policy prohibits all forms of sexual or gender-based discrimination, harassment, and misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.  This Policy also prohibits retaliation against a person who reports, or who otherwise participates in good faith in any matter related to this Policy. All of the foregoing conduct shall be referred to as “Prohibited Conduct.” 

Prohibited Conduct which occurs within the educational program or activity will be investigated through the Title IX grievance investigation process. Sexual misconduct or other sexually inappropriate behavior that occurs outside of the scope of the Title IX Policy will be handled through the disciplinary process for students through Student Development and for employees through Human Resources.