Sanctions
Disciplinary sanctions for student found responsible for violations of this policy may range from a disciplinary warning to expulsion from the university. These will be imposed in accordance with applicable university policies described in this document. Sanctions against employees, ranging from a disciplinary warning to termination, are described in the Lee University Faculty Handbook and Lee University Administrative and Staff Handbook.
Amnesty for Student Conduct Violations
The university strongly encourages students to report incidents violating the policy related to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and related inappropriate conduct. The university’s primary concern is the safety of the members of the university community, and it encourages behavior that demonstrates care and concern for members of the community. Accordingly, the university will provide a reprieve from disciplinary actions for victims and other individuals who exhibit responsible and proactive behavior in reporting sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, or other prohibited conduct or for students acting as a witness during the formal grievance procedures. The university may provide referrals to counseling and may require educational options, rather than disciplinary sanctions, in such cases.
Supportive Measures
Any individual who reports prohibited conduct under Title IX will be offered individualized Supportive Measures, as available, without charge or fee. Supportive measures may include referrals to medical or mental health services, mutual No Contact Directives, requests for academic extensions or other options, changes to housing assignment or class schedules, and more. Learn More
Reporting Activity Prohibited by This Policy
Employees should immediately report incidents of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation to the Title IX coordinator and/or Campus Security. These offices will provide a mechanism for reporting these violations. Regardless of the nature of the underlying incident, if there is any danger to person or property, you are strongly encouraged to additionally, and first, report the incident to the applicable police or Campus Security department.
If the apparent victim is under the age of 18 at the time of the offense and there is any potential of child abuse, university employees should also follow mandatory reporting laws as detailed at www.childwelfare.gov.
Free Expression and Academic Inquiry
The university is committed to its long-standing tradition of the pursuit of truth. The university is an institution whose members may express themselves in accordance with campus standards, while protecting and respecting the rights of others to learn and to carry out the essential functions of the university free from interference or obstruction. When addressing complaints of violations of this policy, the university will respond appropriately while respecting the idea of the pursuit of truth by students, faculty, and staff.
Pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and related Medical Conditions
Lee University is committed to providing equal access to its programs and activities to all students, including pregnant and parenting students. As appropriate, Lee University will provide reasonable adjustments to students that are needed because of pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, medical conditions related to pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions, provided that such reasonable adjustments do not fundamentally alter Lee University’s program or activity. To request accommodation due to one of these conditions, contact the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will work with the student and faculty to identify and implement appropriate adjustments. Students can learn more about the University’s obligations regarding student pregnancy and related conditions here.