I. INTRODUCTION
The pursuit of inclusive excellence at Sacred Heart University (SHU) is grounded in the mission and core values of the institution. This Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy informs the SHU community of Sacred Heart’s commitment to preventing and addressing discrimination and discriminatory harassment in its learning, working and living environments
II. POLICY STATEMENT
Sacred Heart University does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on a person’s actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hair styles), color, national origin, ethnicity (including ancestry), religion, creed, political affiliation, citizenship or immigration status, sex (including but not limited to romantic or sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy, child-birth and related conditions, marital or domestic partnership status, family responsibilities, and domestic violence victim status) physical, mental, learning and intellectual disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law. Furthermore, SHU strictly prohibits retaliation against persons who file a complaint or assist in an investigation under this Policy or otherwise oppose, in a reasonable manner, that which they reasonably believe to be in violation of this Policy.
Sacred Heart University, Incorporated adopts as its policy to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties required under Connecticut General Statutes Section 4a-60(a)(1) and Section 4a-60a(a)(1), as amended in the State of Connecticut Public Act 07-245 and Section 9(a)(1) and Section 10(a)(1) of Public Act 07-142.
III. SCOPE OF POLICY
This Policy applies to all Sacred Heart University students, faculty, staff, admitted students, and faculty and staff in pre-employment status while participating in SHU programs, activities, services and/or employment on or off campus, or where the conduct of such SHU community member is otherwise of substantial interest to SHU.
IV. HISTORY
Effective Date: May 12, 2023. Although Sacred Heart University has had policies and procedures in place that pre-date this Policy Effective Date, this Sacred Heart University Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy replaces and supersedes all other Sacred Heart University policies on discrimination as of the Effective Date. Updated March 19, 2024.
SHU Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy Statement
Sacred Heart University is firmly committed to maintaining a learning, living, and working environment for members of the University community, guests and visitors, free from all forms of gender-based sexual harassment (hereinafter referred to as “harassment”), including acts of sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and stalking.
This Formal Grievance Policy will apply to “sexual harassment” in a SHU “education program or activity” against a person in the United States, per USDOE Regulations, effective August 14, 2020.
“Sexual harassment” is defined in the Regulations (§ 106.30) to be conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
- A SHU employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (“quid pro quo”);
- Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to SHU’s education program or activity; or
- Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking.
If alleged sexual misconduct does not satisfy the USDOE’s definitional or jurisdictional requirements, such as off-campus sexual misconduct alleged to have an on-campus effect, then SHU has discretion to address it outside of this Policy.
Anyone looking to file a complaint may submit a report to the University's Title IX Coordinator.
SHU ADA/504 Anti-Discrimination Policy Statement
In accordance with the requirement of 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Titles I and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) Sacred Heart University will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs or activities. SHU does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Dept. of Education, the U.S. Dept of Justice, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Links to Relevant Policies, Procedures and More Information:
SHU Employee Policy Handbook: Includes relevant policies and procedures specific to employees such as the Employee Code of Conduct.
SHU Title IX Policy: Includes the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy and procedure.
SHU Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy and Procedures supporting the Policy.
SHU Student Handbook: Includes relevant policies and procedures specific to students, such as the Code of Conduct and Community Standards, and other relevant information.