XII. Discrimination, Harassment, and Title IX Policies

Purpose of the Policy 

The purpose of the Discrimination and Harassment Policy, hereafter “Policy,” is to establish clearly and unequivocally that Maryville College prohibits discrimination harassment and retaliation by individuals subject to its control or supervision and to set forth procedures by which such allegations shall be filed, investigated, and adjudicated.

Title IX Coordinator

The Title IX Coordinator is designated to oversee the College’s compliance with this policy and with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”). Maryville College does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment.

Questions about Title IX and this policy may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator:

Questions about Title IX and the regulations may be directed to the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights:

U.S. Department of Education
Phone: 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327) or 1-800-421-3481
400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202

Role of the Title IX Coordinator

• The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing all reports of discrimination and harassment and identifying and addressing any pattern or systemic problems that arise during the review of such reports.
• The Title IX Coordinator oversees the investigation and resolution of all reports in accordance with this Policy.
• The Title IX Coordinator also coordinates training and awareness regarding this Policy.
• The Title IX Coordinator may name a designee as needed.The Title IX Coordinator and designees do not serve as an advocate for either the Complainant(s) or the Respondent(s).
• Reports of discrimination and harassment by the Title IX Coordinator should be made to the President.

Academic Freedom and Free Speech

This Policy does not allow curtailment or censorship of constitutionally protected expression, which is valued in higher education and by Maryville College. In addressing all reports of alleged violations of this policy, Maryville College will take all permissible actions to ensure the safety of students and employees while complying with applicable guidance regarding free speech rights of students and employees. This Policy does not in any way apply to curriculum and curriculum decisions or abridge the use of particular textbooks or curricular materials.

Amnesty Policy

Ensuring the safety of individuals who report violations of this policy is Maryville College’s primary concern. In order to facilitate reporting, Maryville College will provide disciplinary immunity to a person who reports to any individual employed by the institution that an act of sexual violence, or any other incident violating this policy, which occurred on campus, in or on a non-campus building or property. Disciplinary immunity means that, if the institution determines, as a result of any investigation relating to such alleged act of sexual violence or other violation of this policy, the reporting individual committed a separate, unrelated, nonviolent act that violates the Maryville College Student Code of Conduct (Community Standards), that person is immune from disciplinary action for such violation.

Disciplinary immunity may also be offered to individuals who intervene to help others before a violation of this policy occurs and to individuals who receive assistance or intervention.

This protection also extends to witnesses in an investigation.

Title IX Jurisdiction

This policy implementing Title IX applies to all MC students, employees, faculty, staff, and contractors and all MC education programs or activities in the United States. MC education programs and activities include locations, events, or circumstances over which MC exercises substantial control over the person accused of committing sexual harassment and the context in which the sexual harassment occurs. This includes conduct that occurs on MC campuses and/or in any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the College. This policy may apply to off campus conduct outside of an MC program or activity if the Title IX Coordinator determines the off-campus conduct has an impact on MC campus, programs, or activities. This policy applies to reports and formal complaints submitted on or after August 14, 2020.

Violations of this policy which meet the definition of sexual harassment in section V(b) and fall under this jurisdiction are subject to a formal grievance process in section XIV.