Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment

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(See full policy and also the related policy "Operating Procedures for Processing Initial Complaints Against Faculty and Administrators and Staff" in Appendices C and D of this Handbook.)

It is the Policy of the College of Charleston to promote and protect a learning and living environment where civil discourse, respect for the individual and appreciation for the diversity of human experiences are valued as compelling academic interests. Accordingly, it is a violation of this Policy for any member of the college community to discriminate or harass students or employees, or applicants for admission to the College or applicants for any College employment position, based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veterans' status, genetic information, or disability, as proscribed by law and as further described below. In addition, discrimination against members or potential members of the United States uniformed services, as proscribed by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), is also prohibited under this Policy. Retaliation against any person arising from the good faith reporting of a suspected violation of this Policy, or for participating in an investigation of discrimination under this Policy, is strictly prohibited.

Sexual harassment can occur in a variety of contexts. In relationships of unequal power, it contains an element of coercion, as when compliance with requests for sexual favors becomes a criterion for granting work, study, or grading benefits. In relationships among equals, sexual harassment may have a harmful effect upon a colleague's ability to study or work in the academic setting.