Sex Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct and Other Prohibited Conduct Grievance Procedures

Policy Statement

Adelphi University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in admission and employment. The University is proud of its work and academic environment and strives to maintain a pleasant and collegial environment for employees, students, guests, and visitors, all of whom are expected to treat each other with courtesy, consideration, and professionalism. Furthering this commitment, and in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the “Clery Act”), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”), the University prohibits the forms of sexual or related conduct as defined below.

Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 (“Title IX”) is the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination by any educational institution, program, or activity that receives federal funding. This law has been interpreted by courts and the U.S. Department of Education to require colleges and universities to take certain steps to prevent and respond to sexual harassment. In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Education issued new regulations for schools, colleges and universities that address sexual harassment. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Education’s “Final Rule,” which are new regulations under Title IX:

• Define the meaning of “sex-based harassment,” which includes sexual harassment and other harassment on the basis of sex, specific offenses of gender-based violence, and unwelcome sex-based conduct that is “subjectively and objectively offensive and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the education program or activity.”
• Address how institutions of higher education that receive federal funding (including Adelphi University) must respond to reports of behaviors falling within that definition of sex discrimination.
• Set out a detailed grievance process that institutions of higher education must follow when investigating, adjudicating and imposing sanctions in cases involving sexual harassment under that definition.
• Clarifies the steps a school must take to protect students, employees, and applicants from discrimination based on pregnancy or related conditions. For more information visit PDF Policy
• Protects against discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

To comply with these regulations, the University has adopted Sex Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct and Other Prohibited Conduct Grievance procedures that address the types of misconduct alleged against students and employees. These new regulations do not cover all of the types of prohibited conduct or places in which sexual misconduct occurs, which the University believes must be addressed in keeping with our own commitment to non-discrimination and our obligations under state and local law.

The University also maintains the “Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy” for other types of discrimination, harassment and gender-based misconduct by students and employees that are not covered by the new regulations. Both policies are important to creating and supporting a University community that rejects all forms of discrimination, harassment and gender-based misconduct.

Under both the Title IX Policy and Procedures and the Policy and Procedures on Discrimination and Harassment, the University remains committed to diligently investigating reports of prohibited conduct, supporting students and employees who experience discrimination, harassment or gender-based misconduct, and responding fairly and firmly when employee members of the University community violate University policy.

Reason for Policy

Adelphi University is required to follow Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 (“Title IX”). The Title IX Policy and Procedures are effective on August 1, 2024, and will only apply to sexual harassment alleged to have occurred on or after August 1, 2024. Incidents of sexual harassment alleged to have occurred before August 1, 2024, will be investigated and adjudicated according to the process in place at the time the incident allegedly occurred.

Who Is Governed by this Policy

This Policy applies to all Adelphi students, employees, and visitors involved in the University’s academic, educational, recreational, and living programs; visitors, guests, and pre-college students; applicants in the admissions process; and recipients and/or providers of Adelphi’s programs or services. The complaint procedures outlined within this Policy apply to all complaints of sex discrimination, sexual misconduct, and other conduct prohibited by this Policy.

Policy

Download the PDF policy

Definitions

The definitions of this policy are found within the PDF policy.

Procedures

Discrimination, harassment (including sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking), and retaliation of any type will not be tolerated at Adelphi University. Upon notice, the University will act to end the discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects on the victim and the University community.

All concerns and complaints of discrimination, harassment (including sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking), and/or resulting retaliation should be sent to one of the following individuals:

Allison Vernace
Chief of Community Concerns and Resolution
Title IX Coordinator
avernace@adelphi.edu or titleix@adelphi.edu or 516.833.8019

Emily Whearty
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
ewhearty@adelphi.edu or titleix@adelphi.edu or 516.833.8019

In addition, you can contact the individuals below, or any member of the Anti-Discrimination Panel to assist you:

• Student Complainants:
  Joseph De Gearo (Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students) at degearo@adelphi.edu or 516.877.3654
• Employee or Third Party Complainants:
  Jane Fisher (Director of Talent Management and Labor Relations) at fisher2@adelphi.edu or 516.877.3222
• You can also use our online complaint form to report discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation.

For emergency or immediate assistance at any time on campus, contact the Office of Public Safety at 516.877.3511 or by dialing 5 from any campus phone.

Forms

• Online Complaint Form

Related Information

Other helpful information can be found at:

• Clery Act
• Code of Conduct
• Exam/Assignment Absence Policy
• ADA Policy

Document History

• Policy Origination Date: June 4, 2024
• Last Reviewed Date: August 1, 2024
• Policy Reviewed by: Policy Owner, Policy Expert (s) and PRT
• Last Approved: August 1, 2024

Who Approved This Policy

Executive Leadership