Section 8-B612. DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT

 

612.1 The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all faculty, staff, and students of the University.

 

612.2 The provisions of this chapter are written in accordance with Federal and District laws and regulations, which are subject to amendment.  To the extent these regulations become inconsistent with such amendments, the applicable provision of Federal or District law shall supersede this chapter.

 

612.3 The University prohibits discrimination of members of the University community on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family  responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, and all protected classes as  provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations.

 

612.4 The University prohibits unwelcome and offensive acts or communications directed  to individuals or groups because of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, place of residence or  business, or status as a covered veteran, and all protected classes, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations.

 

612.5 It is the policy of the University that all faculty, staff, and students work and learn in an environment free from sex discrimination and sexual harassment.

 

612.6 Disciplinary actions for discriminatory or harassing behavior may include one (1) or more of the following:

(a) Sanctions as stipulated in the Code of Student Conduct, as applicable;

 

(b) Requirement to attend training or other education;

 

(c) Requirement to obtain counseling;

 

(d) Work restrictions;

 

(e) An oral or written warning (or letter of concern);

 

(f) A written reprimand;

 

(g) Suspension; or

 

(h) Dismissal or expulsion.

612.7Disciplinary sanctions and process will be implemented consistent with any applicable collective bargaining agreement.

612.8 Conduct claimed to constitute discrimination or harassment must be interpreted in light of the principle of academic freedom so as to protect a faculty member’s rights to teach, research and publish freely. The University does not intend that this policy will be used to address the typical differences of opinion that may arise in the academic setting and are part of  the normal process of teaching and learning.

 

612.9 The University encourages students, staff, and faculty to utilize the internal complaint process prior to filing an external complaint.  The internal complaint process may be found on the University Equal Employment Office webpage or by contacting the University Equal Employment Officer. 

 

612.10 Persons who believe that they have been subjected to discrimination and/or harassment may be able to file a complaint with Federal and/or District government agencies (such as the D.C. Office of Human Rights, the U.S. Equal Employment  Opportunity Commission, or the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil  Rights).

 

612.11 It is to be expected that, at all stages of any proceedings under this policy, confidentiality will be maintained to the greatest extent possible. Consistent with their obligations, all roles described herein are expected to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality. Communication by these persons with others with regard to discrimination and harassment complaints can be only on a required "need to know" basis. Others  necessarily involved, such as the complainant, the respondent, and witnesses, will be encouraged to keep confidential to the greatest extent possible matters about which they or others provide testimony or information. With regard to such individuals, however, the University has no means by which to ensure strict confidentiality other than by providing notice of the standards of confidentiality by which the University expects all individuals involved to abide.

 

authority

The Board of Trustees of the University of the District of Columbia pursuant to the authority set forth under the District of Columbia Public Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act Amendments (Act) effective January 2, 1976 (D.C. Law 1-36; D.C. Official Code §§ 38-1202.01(a) and 38-1202.06)(3),(13) (2001 & 2011 Supp.).

source

Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 35 DCR 7339 (October 7, 1988); as amended by Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 59 DCR 540 (January 27, 2012).