This policy outlines the procedures for responding to reports that a student, as defined in Student Accountability Procedures of the Student Handbook, engaged in discrimination, harassment, and/ or retaliation as defined below. This policy applies to conduct that occurs on campus and conduct that occurs off-campus, including conduct in connection with University programs or activities or that otherwise interferes with or limits the ability of a member of the community to participate in or to receive benefits, services, or opportunities from the University’s program or activities, regardless of whether the complainant is an affiliate of the University. The Equal Opportunity and Access Office (EOA) will address allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation by a non-student in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures.
Reports of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation based on sex or gender, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and related conditions, and parental status are addressed by Vanderbilt University’s Title IX Office in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures.
EOA and Title IX will apply the processes in the edition of this policy in effect on the date EOA or Title IX receive the report of prohibited conduct as defined in the irrespective of the date the reported incident(s) occurred. EOA and Title IX will apply the definitions, including for prohibited conduct (see the Discrimination section in the Student and Organization Behavioral Policies), in effect on the date of the alleged incident. For reported conduct that spans more than one policy’s definitions, EOA and Title IX will use the definitions section(s) of the relevant edition of the policy in effect at the time of the most recent alleged incident. Questions about the policy and its applicability to any alleged conduct may be directed to EOA or Title IX.
With the exceptions set forth in this policy, reports of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation received by EOA or Title IX will be addressed by EOA or Title IX based on the information available. Reports that include multiple bases for alleged prohibited conduct will be addressed by the relevant offices on a case-by-case basis to determine how to proceed based on applicable polices and processes.
Vanderbilt encourages everyone affected by conduct prohibited under this policy, or who suspects or witnesses such conduct, to report the conduct to EOA or Title IX and to seek help and support from available resources. The University will take prompt and effective action to address allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and to resolve reports in a timely and fair manner.