Human Resources


SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY (Policy # 62002)

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE

Grambling State University is required to implement policies and procedures to prevent acts of sexual misconduct. These policies and procedures must be in compliance with the Louisiana Board of Regents Uniform Policy on Sexual Misconduct. Additionally, the University is required to take prompt and appropriate action to investigate and effectively discipline those found responsible for such conduct in a manner consistent with the law and due process.

The purpose of this policy is to provide Grambling State University with a clear set of behavioral standards, common understandings of definitions, key concepts, and descriptions of sexual misconduct.

This policy applies to Grambling State University community members, including students, faculty, and staff. It is intended to protect and guide Grambling State University community members who have been affected by sexual misconduct, whether as a Complainant, a Respondent, or a third party.

II. STATEMENT OF POLICY

This Policy covers complaints of alleged sexual misconduct that may involve a student or employee either as an alleged perpetrator (accused) or as the victim (complainant). Sexual Misconduct, as defined by this Policy and Procedure for Sexual Misconduct Complaints (this “Policy”), comprises a broad range of behaviors that will not be tolerated in the University’s community of trust.

For the purpose of this Policy, sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, sexual abuse, violence of a sexual nature, sexual harassment, quid pro quo harassment, nonconsensual sexual intercourse, sexual exploitation, video voyeurism, contact of a sexual nature with an object, or the obtaining, posting or disclosure of intimate descriptions, photos, or videos without the express consent of the persons depicted therein, as well as dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

Sexual misconduct violates University policy and Federal civil rights law and may also be subject to criminal prosecution. The University is committed to fostering a community that promotes prompt reporting of all types of sexual misconduct and timely and fair resolution of sexual misconduct complaints. Creating a safe environment is the responsibility of all members of the University community.

As a public institution, the University also must provide due process to students or employees accused of sexual misconduct. This Policy is designed to provide a fair process for both parties while ensuring a complainant’s protections under Title IX. Consistent with due process, the accused is presumed not responsible until proven otherwise under this Policy.

The University’s policy will comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and must be amended to reflect any changes to federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the following:

  1. Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments which (i) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational institutions and (ii) requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to combat gender-based violence and harassment, and respond to survivors’ needs in order to ensure that all students have equal access to education;
  2. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), which requires policies and procedures for sexual assault and requires timely warning and external reporting of crimes; and
  3. Section 304 of the Violence against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA), which extends the Clery Act to include dating violence, domestic violence and stalking and Act 172 of the 2015 Louisiana Legislative Session and any other applicable state laws

The University is also required and committed to upholding the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Nothing in this policy is intended to abridge the rights or freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.

If the University is open, employees, students and non-students may file a report in person during regular business hours (7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Friday) with the Title IX Coordinator in Brown Hall Room 127.

If the University is not open assistance can be obtained 24 hours a day, seven days a week from:

  • University Police
    • on-campus – (318) 274-2222
    • off-campus – 911 Emergency
  • Local Hospital
    • North Louisiana Medical Center
      401 East Vaughn Ave. Ruston, LA 71270
      (318) 254-2100

Assistance may also be obtained 24 hours a day by accessing the online Title IX Sexual Misconduct Incident Report Form

In addition, the Grambling State University Student Counseling and Wellness Resource Center (274-3277) and the Foster-Johnson Health Center (274-2351) are both located in Foster - Johnson Health Center. Information regarding these support services will be provided immediately upon receiving a report of sexual misconduct, but are not limited to individuals filing a formal complaint.

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