E. Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Academic Responsibilities and Professional Obligations

II. E. 1. Affirmative Action Officer

The College’s Affirmative Action Officer is responsible:

To be informed on all matters pertinent to Knox College in the area of "affirmative action," that is, in the area of efforts to increase the number of women and minorities in positions of authority and responsibility at the college.
To keep informed on all matters relating to Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and any other laws and regulations relating to race or sex discrimination in ways pertinent to Knox College.
To advise members of the college community in all matters falling under (1) and (2) above insofar as a legal opinion is not called for.
To report immediately to the President any actions in connection with hiring or retention procedures which, in the AAO's opinion, are in violation of the spirit of established procedures.

II. E. 2. Policy Statement on Non-Discrimination

Knox College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity or expression, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or affectional preference, age, marital status, disability or other irrelevant factors in admission, financial aid, employment, athletics or any of its educational policies and programs.

II. E. 3. Policy Against Harassment

Knox College deplores any harassment based on sex, gender identity or expression, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or affectional preference, age, marital status, or disability. Any member of the College community who harasses another is subject to the grievance and disciplinary procedures of the College and such civil and criminal laws as may pertain. The College will use its influence to encourage the entire community to treat its students, faculty, staff and guests in a manner consistent with the principles of this policy.

Harassment includes behavior, speech or writing that demeans or stereotypes individuals in a harmful way. Harassment may create an unreasonably intimidating, hostile, or demeaning environment that interferes with an individual’s full and free participation in the life of the College.

II. E. 4. Policy Against Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination and as such is contrary to the policies of Knox College as well as state and federal laws. Sexual harassment is contrary to the most fundamental ethical canons of the academic community.

The following definition of sexual harassment has been summarized from federal and state laws, specifically Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments 1972, the Human Rights Act provision on sexual harassment in Higher Education, and Chapter 68 of the Illinois Revised Statutes 1991, paragraphs 5A-101(E). Nothing in the summary should be taken to be at variance with federal law or Illinois statutes.

Sexual harassment is understood to be unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature where:

submission to or rejection of such behavior is used as the basis of academic or employment decisions, is either an explicit or implicit term of admission to any college program or college related activity, or
the conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or educational environment.

Examples of such conduct may include repeated comments about a person’s physical appearance, sexually suggestive remarks or insults; displays of sexually suggestive material, unwelcome advances such as touching, patting, caressing, kissing or sexual propositions and sexual advances accompanied by threat of punishment or promise of reward including the withholding or giving of grades and promotions (revised policy adopted June 1993).

II. E. 5. Complaint Procedure for Cases of Discrimination or Harassment at Knox College (including Cases Under Title IX)

A complaint or grievance under the non-discrimination and non-harassment policy of the College can be brought to any member of a College Grievance Panel appointed by the President. For information on the composition of the Panel and for procedures followed, see the detailed description in the Student Handbook.

For information on procedures for other kinds of grievances, see the Faculty Handbook, “Grievance Procedures,” Section III. H.