Due to changes in the Title IX Regulations and in compliance with the August 1, 2024 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance Final Rule, the College has transitioned to a comprehensive policy for addressing all Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination incidents which is a “best practice” for resolving these types of concerns and reflects the process recommendation of the National Association of Title IX Administrators.
This replaces the prior Bias Incident Response policy. The new policy and process provide enhanced supportive measures and the opportunity for more individualized resolutions to issues that arise. 91¿´Æ¬Íø is committed to providing a safe and inclusive campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
The College’s mission statement affirms that we “embrace cultural diversity and develop responsible members of the global community.” As such, it is expected that all members of our campus community – students, faculty, staff, and administration - will work to become adept at approaching differences openly, honestly, and respectfully, and to solve problems in a civil manner.
When our efforts fall short of our expectations, 91¿´Æ¬Íø community members are asked to report these incidents so that an appropriate response is provided, and an educational opportunity is not missed. Other related behaviors may include expressions of speech, writing, or physical behavior that are directed at an individual’s actual or perceived membership in a particular group; has the effect of interfering with an individual’s emotional and/or psychological wellbeing; and lacks a reasonable and responsible relationship to an educational or artistic goal. Illustrative examples of potential incidents may include targeted graffiti or vandalism, homophobic or sexist jokes, racist epithets, religious slurs, or demeaning remarks on social media. These incidents may or may not be intended to cause harm.
The College intends to operate alongside the principles of academic freedom to which it has historically been committed. Rigorous discussion and debate are fundamental to the College’s educational mission, and neither this policy nor any other College policy or process is intended to determine or restrict teaching methods, course content, or the processes of intellectual inquiry and debate. Offensive speech, by itself, does not violate this process or other College policy. For speech/expression to constitute a violation it must lack a reasonable and responsible relationship to an educational, political or artistic goal, and must threaten, intimidate, or marginalize an individual or group based on one or more of the characteristics of identity.
Confidential resources on campus for students are:
Health and Wellness Center Staff
Nora Maltz, Associate Director of Residence Life
Faculty and Staff Employees may contact Perspectives EAP to discuss concerns related to this policy in a confidential manner.
Call: 800-456-6327
Visit:
Questions about this policy should be directed to Erin Agidius, Interim Title IX Coordinator (eagidius@lakeforest.edu).