Sexual Harassment Policy

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

SEXUAL HARASSMENT & SEXUAL VIOLENCE POLICY STATEMENT

The University of Southern Mississippi does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities. The university, in an effort to foster an environment of respect for the dignity and worth of all members of the university community, is committed to maintaining an educational environment free of sexual harassment. It is the policy of the university that no member of its community shall engage in sexually harassing or sexually violent behavior toward another. Any student or employee who violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action which may include expulsion from the university or termination of employment. Sexual harassment, including sexually violent behavior, is illegal under both state and federal law.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex. Title IX protects students in connection with all the academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs of the university, weather those programs take place in a university facility or at a class or training program sponsored by the university at another location. Sexual harassment of students, including acts of sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX.

 Sexual harassment has been defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. It can   includeunwelcome sexual advance advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Sexual violence refers to physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent due to the victim’s use of drugs or alcohol. A number of different acts fall into the category of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion.

Any student or employee who wishes to file a claim of sex discrimination, or who has questions about the application of Title IX should contact:

Officer of Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity Employment

Dr. Rebecca N. Woodrick, Director

rebecca.woodrick@usm.edu

McLemore Hall (MCL) 310

118 College Drive #5168

Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Phone: 601.266.6618

                or

Officer for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Atlanta Federal Center, S.W.

61 Forsyth Street, S.W.

Atlanta, GA 30303-8909

Phone: 404.562.7886

Fax: 404.562.7881

TDD: 404.331.2867

In addition to filing a claim of sexual discrimination, as set forth above, anyone who wishes to file an allegation of sexually violent behavior may report such conduct directly to the University Police Department:

University Police Department

The University of Southern Mississippi

103 Black and Gold Blvd

Bond Hall, First Floor

118 College Drive #5061

Hattiesburg, MS 30406

Phone: 601.266.4986     

Download the PDF