Chapter 6: Campus-Wide Policies
Racial and Sexual Harassment Policy
Principle
At Mary Washington the integrity of the educational process and the
mutual respect of all members of the community are of the utmost importance.
The goal of the University is to help all students achieve academic
success in an environment that nurtures, encourages growth, and develops
a sensitivity and appreciation for all people. Any activity or conduct
that detracts from this goal – such as racial or sexual harassment
– is inconsistent with the purposes of the University community.
Policy
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Members of the Mary Washington community are entitled to a campus free of racial and sexual harassment.
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A faculty member who enters into a sexual relationship with a student (or a supervisor with an employee) where a professional power differential exists must realize that, if a complaint of sexual harassment is subsequently made, it may prove especially difficult to base a defense on the grounds of mutual consent. Examples of relationships in which a professional power imbalance exists include, but are not limited to, cases where a faculty member (or supervisor) grades, evaluates, coaches, or judges a student's (or employee's) work or is in a position to make recommendations about the student's (or employee's) work that might affect opportunities for academic or occupational advancement.
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All reported cases of harassment will be frankly and honestly reviewed in an attempt to resolve complaints. To insure fairness, review procedures incorporate various levels of appeal.
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To facilitate awareness and sensitivity training, resources will be available to all members of the Mary Washington community.
- All reported cases of harassment will be kept confidential and discussed only with individuals involved in the harassment process as outlined in this policy.
Complete information on the Racial and Sexual Harassment Policy can be found in Appendix E of the Faculty Handbook , which is in the Academic Affairs section of the University's Web site under Handbooks and Publications.