Anti-Discrimination, Harassment (including Sexual Misconduct/Title IX) and Retaliation Policy

Policy Statement

Adelphi University (the University) is committed to providing a working, learning and living environment free from sexual discrimination and harassment and to fostering a vibrant, nurturing community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all of its members. In furtherance of 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 May 2020, 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 “sexual harassment” (including forms of sex-based violence) and limits Title IX’s coverage to incidents involving misconduct that is “severe, pervasive and objectively offensive,”
• Address how institutions of higher education that receive federal funding (including Adelphi University) must respond to reports of behaviors falling within that definition of sexual harassment, and
• 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.

To comply with these regulations, the University has adopted  Title IX Policy and Procedures to 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 that 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 “Policy and Procedures on Discrimination and Harassment” 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.

In addition, Adelphi University maintains policies for gender-based misconduct, anti-discrimination, harassment and retaliation that are not covered by the new Title IX regulations.

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 14, 2020, and will only apply to sexual harassment alleged to have occurred on or after August 14, 2020. Incidents of sexual harassment alleged to have occurred before August 14, 2020, 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 governs the conduct of all University employees and students that occurs within any education program or activity within the United States in locations, events or circumstances over which the University has exercised substantial control over both the Respondent and the context in which the Title IX behavior occurs. The Procedures set forth describe the general response, investigation, disciplinary, sanctioning and appeal processes that apply when a person accused of sexual harassment (referred to as the “Respondent”) is a current University student or employee.

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 the Chief of Community Concerns and Resolution, Allison Vernace, at avernace@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: Allison Vernace ’13, (Chief of Community Concerns and Resolutions) at avernace@adelphi.edu or 516.877.6808
• 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