DEPARTMENT OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND HEARING SCIENCES
SPEECH & HEARING CLINIC
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Auburn University is committed to providing a working and academic environment free from discrimination and harassment and to fostering a nurturing and vibrant community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all its members.
In accordance with applicable federal law, Auburn University complies with all regulations regarding unlawful discrimination against or harassment of its students. Any form of discrimination or harassment related to a student’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability (protected classes) is a violation of University policy. This policy is intended to cover any prohibited harassment of or discrimination against a student by other students, employees or University agents. This policy also covers harassment of students by non-employees on University property or while engaged in University sponsored activities, as well as discrimination against students by University contractors.
Reporting and Resolution Procedures
Students who believe they have been discriminated against on the basis of their race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability should report incidents to the Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO). In addition to the Office of Vice President for Student Affairs, all faculty, staff and administrators should assist students in directing their harassment and/or discrimination complaints to the Office of AA/EEO.
The Office of AA/EEO will investigate the incident and consult with witnesses and other appropriate University officials as necessary. Complaints will be handled on a “need to know” basis with a view toward protecting the complaining party from possible reprisal and protecting the accused from irresponsible or mistaken complaints.
Definitions
Sexual Harassment
Harassment also includes any coercive sexual behavior used to control or influence a student. It may be manifested by verbal and/or physical actions, gestures, unnecessary touching, leering at a person's body, attempts to embarrass, request for sexual favors and physical assault.
Sexual harassment in academic settings, and in the employment arena where students are involved, is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, graphic or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
Students who feel that they have been sexually harassed should report their complaint to the Division of Student Affairs. This office, in consultation with the Affirmative Action Office, will investigate the incident, consult with other appropriate University officials if necessary, and will resolve the complaint if possible.
September 2014
- Discrimination is defined as conduct directed at a specific individual or a group of identifiable individuals that subjects the individual or group to treatment that adversely affects their employment or education because of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status or sexual orientation.
- Harassment as a form of discrimination is defined as verbal or physical conduct that is directed at an individual or group because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status or sexual orientation when such conduct is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's or group's academic or work performance; or of creating a hostile academic or work environment. The term "harassment" includes but is not limited to slurs, jokes or other graphic or physical conduct relating to a student's race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or veterans status.
- Verbal conduct is defined as oral, written or symbolic expressions that personally describe or is personally directed at a specific individual or group of identifiable individuals; and is not necessary to an argument for or against the substance of any political, religious, philosophical, ideological or academic idea.
- Submission to such conduct may be explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student's academic success or employment; or
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct may be used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting the student and the student's total educational and/or work experience; or
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a student's employment or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or educational environment.