STUDENT HARASSMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE

As an expression of our Christian values, Messiah College is committed to creating an atmosphere of dignity and respect and is responsible to uphold existing laws regarding a learning, living, and working environment free from harassment based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or veteran status.

 

The authorization of, cover-up or participation in any act of harassment of any kind is strictly forbidden. Failure to abide by this policy will lead to disciplinary action which may include suspension of enrollment or loss of employment.

 

The College will take seriously any adverse action taken against an individual for reporting an incident of discrimination or harassment. Retaliation towards a student for reporting is prohibited. Examples of this can be but are not limited to: faculty lowering a grade, loss of a work-study job or loss of a leadership position.The College’s commitment to address complaints related to discrimination and/or harassment should not be viewed as license for individuals to continually submit frivolous or unfounded complaints. Such behavior is a violation of the intent of this policy.

 

This includes harassment of or by:

• Individuals directly affiliated with the College (e.g. faculty, staff, students)
• Individuals not directly affiliated with the College (e.g. contractors, vendors, visitors)

This policy also applies to harassment off-site or after normal business hours in College related settings including and not limited to: 

• Academic placement (practicums, internships, etc.)
• Field trips
• Athletic events
• Conferences
• College related social events

 

Harassment Looks Like…   

 

Please take into account that harassment may not be clear, visible or obvious to everyone in the room. There are generally two forms of harassments: Harassment legal definition

• Hostile environment – conversation, images, humor or activities present in an academic environment that are overtly derogatory, sexual, and/or racial in nature. That makes it difficult for students and employees to concentrate on their work/studies. (The victim feels uncomfortable, unwelcome, intimidated or afraid.) This harassment is usually vague.
• Quid Pro Quo – the harasser makes sexual advances/requests or unwelcome behavior towards the victim which then becomes a condition of the victim’s success in some way.

 

Examples of harassment:

• Offensive insults, slurs, remarks, pranks or language meant to disgrace another based on sexual orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity.
• Offensive and demeaning images based on what’s listed above.
• Aggressive or hostile behavior or taunts based on what’s listed above.
• Cyber harassment: when digital media, including instant messaging, blogs, websites, e-mails, chat rooms, and cell phones are used to threaten and/or humiliate. (see definition)
• Verbal harassment disguised as humor such as ethnic jokes.
• Obscene gestures and suggestive remarks about a person’s body, clothing or sexual activities.
• Physical aggression or intimidation including even subtle contact like pinching or patting.
• Sexual innuendos or sexually suggestive charged language that an individual finds offensive or demeaning.
• Racially charged language that an individual finds offensive or demeaning.
• Pressure for sexual activity subtle or not
• Offensive graffiti
• Student handbook on harassment