| Policy Number | *The following interim policy is effective August 14, 2020. The interim policy is being implemented pursuant to UWF Policy p-01.03-12/17, University Policy Development and Issuance Process. The University will follow its normal procedures for policy development and has posted the interim policy on the University's website for review and comment. |
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| Responsible Office | Office of the President |
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| Originator | Dr. Martha D. Saunders, President |
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| Current Status | |
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| Abstract | The University of West Florida ("UWF" or the "University") is committed to providing an
environment that is free of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. This Policy covers a broad
range of behavior, including sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation (hereinafter
"Prohibited Conduct"), that is prohibited under this Policy as well as State and Federal law and
regulations.
As a recipient of Federal funds, the University is required to comply with Title IX of the Higher
Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. ("Title IX"), which prohibits
discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities. The University of West
Florida is committed to providing programs, activities and an educational environment free from
sex-based discrimination, the Prohibited Conduct outlined in this Policy. The University of West
Florida is committed to fostering a community that promotes prompt reporting of all types of
Prohibited Conduct. Creating a safe environment is the responsibility of all members of the
University community.
This Policy deals primarily with Sexual Harassment as defined in this Policy and as defined under
the Federal Title IX regulations. Not all conduct that is commonly understood to be sexual
harassment (and not all sexual harassment that the University seeks to prohibit) will fall under this
Policy's definition. If an allegation of Prohibited Conduct does not match this Policy's definition
of Sexual Harassment, the University may still adjudicate the allegation under "Prohibition of
Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation" (University Policy P-13.09-02/20) or the Student
Code of Conduct (UWF REG-3.010).
This Policy is designed to provide an equitable process through which an affected individual can
report Prohibited Conduct. Nothing in this Policy will be interpreted to violate any individual's
constitutional rights. Through this Policy, the University strives to respond promptly and
reasonably to such reports and to provide fairness to both the Complainant and
Respondent. Despite the University's prompt timeframe for the grievance process, the University
will allow for the temporary delay of the grievance process or the limited extension of time frames
for good cause with written notice to the Complainant and the Respondent of the delay or extension
and the reasons for the action. |
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