I. Policy Statement
The mission of Carnegie Mellon University is to cultivate a transformative educational experience for its Students that is committed to promoting and safeguarding their personal health and well-being. In addition, the mission is to create a collaborative environment open to the free exchange of ideas, where research, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship can flourish and where individuals can achieve their full potential. Consistent with the university’s Statement of Assurance, it is the policy of Carnegie Mellon University to maintain an academic and work environment that promotes the confidence to work, study, innovate, and perform without fear of discriminatory and sexual misconduct. Such misconduct diminishes individual dignity, is contrary to the values of the university, and is a barrier to fulfilling the university’s mission. It will not be tolerated at Carnegie Mellon University. This Policy contains grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of Complaints alleging any action which would be prohibited by this Policy.
It is the responsibility of every member of the University community to foster an environment free of discriminatory and sexual misconduct. All members of the University community are encouraged to take reasonable and prudent actions to prevent or stop such behavior. In the event an Employee becomes aware of potential Prohibited Conduct, they should report the information to the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX (the "IEX Office"). See Section III of this Policy for more information about making a Report of Prohibited Conduct.
The Policy prohibits the types of misconduct listed below and defined in Section VII.A (referred to collectively as "Prohibited Conduct"):
- Discrimination (including Disparate Treatment);
- Discriminatory Harassment;
- Sex Discrimination
- Sex-Based Harassment, including
- Quid Pro Quo Sex-Based Harassment,
- Hostile Environment Sex-Based Harassment,
- Sexual Assault,
- Dating Violence,
- Domestic Violence,
- Stalking (based on sex), and
- Stalking
- Retaliation; and
- Violation of Protective Measures.
This Policy is intended to: (1) prevent, eliminate, and remedy the effects of Prohibited Conduct; (2) foster an environment where all individuals are well-informed and supported in reporting Prohibited Conduct; and (3) provide an adequate, reliable, prompt, fair and impartial process for all parties once the university receives a Report of possible Prohibited Conduct. While these principles are clear and straightforward, the detailed procedures set forth in this Policy and related documents are necessary to assure that these matters are handled in an impartial, thoughtful, and thorough manner, consistent with the university’s dedication to the integrity of its process.
Employees (including Faculty and Staff), Students, or third parties who violate this Policy may face, as appropriate, responsive action up to and including termination, expulsion, or other actions.
Nothing in this Policy shall be construed to abridge the free expression of ideas that is essential to the university’s mission. The discourse conducted in accordance with the university's Freedom of Expression Policy and with the statement on Academic Freedom and Responsibility enunciated in the Appointment and Tenure Policy, whether in written, spoken, or electronic forms, shall be consistent with this Policy.
This Policy is intended to meet the university’s obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ("Title VI"); Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ("Title VII"); Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 ("Title IX"); the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act ("Clery Act"), as amended by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 ("VAWA"), with respect to its application to sexual misconduct; and other applicable law and regulations.