SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY
Oral Roberts University
Oral Roberts University (“ORU” or the “University”) is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment in which its employees, students and visitors are treated with courtesy, respect and dignity. ORU strictly prohibits, in any form, sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. This policy documents ORU’s commitment to prevent sexual misconduct, identifies the steps for recourse for those individuals who assert their rights have been violated, and defines the procedures for determining if a violation of ORU policy has occurred. This policy applies to unlawful sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. “Sexual misconduct”, as defined by this policy, means sex discrimination in all forms, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual exploitation.
ORU was founded to be, and is committed to being, a Christian religious institution of higher education and includes a lifestyle of commitment to Jesus Christ of Nazareth as personal Savior and Lord and as an integral part of its mission and vision. At ORU, we pledge not to engage in or attempt to engage in any illicit, or unscriptural sexual acts, which includes any homosexual activity and sexual intercourse with one who is not a spouse and, we pledge not be united in marriage other than a marriage between one man and one woman. See Honor Code Policy (ORU Honor Code) While some portions of this policy may address intimate or sexual activities outside of marriage, such discussions should not be seen as condoning these actions. At the same time, an individual’s engagement in intimate or sexual activities outside of marriage does not excuse sexual misconduct carried out against that individual. ORU is committed to protecting the members of its community against sexual and other forms of relationship related violence and misconduct—regardless of the context in which it arises.
ORU encourages the prompt reporting of any incident of sexual misconduct to ORU and to local law enforcement. Sexual misconduct violates an individual’s rights and dignity. Not only are they acts of disrespect, violence, aggression or coercion against an individual, they are also violations of this policy and an attack on our University community. In addition, many forms of sexual misconduct are crimes. When ORU determines that sexual misconduct has occurred, it will take steps to end the conduct, prevent the recurrence of the behavior, and to address its effects.
Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, termination of employment, and expulsion from school. It is also a violation of ORU policy to engage in any conduct or communication in retaliation or reprisal against anyone who has reported a policy violation, assisted in a complaint, or cooperated in an investigation. Retaliation should be reported promptly to ORU.
It is the policy of ORU to make available annual training and educational opportunities to all students and employees regarding the prevention of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. An overview of ORU’s policies is provided during new student and new employee orientation and is available on ORU’s Title IX and Compliance webpage (www.oru.edu-titleixandsexualmisconduct)
These programs and others offered throughout the year include strong messages regarding not just awareness, but also primary prevention (including bystander intervention), risk reduction techniques, recognition of warning signals, and how to avoid attacks, and do so without applying victim-blaming approaches.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
In accordance with applicable federal and state laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments, ORU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under federal, state or local law applicable to ORU, in its education programs and activities, in employment policies and practices, and all other areas of the University. As a faith-based institution, ORU is exempted from certain laws and regulations concerning discrimination on the basis of religion. ORU maintains the right, with regard to admissions, enrollment, employment, and other matters, to uphold and apply its religious beliefs related to, among other issues, marriage, sex (gender), gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual activity. In accordance with Title IX, this policy addresses ORU’s prohibition of all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual assault and sexual harassment. Sex discrimination is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a federal law that provides that: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. Sexual harassment includes a variety of unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature, including gender-based harassment, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual violence, and sexual assault.
ORU will not tolerate sexual misconduct in any form. ORU will promptly and equitably respond to all reports of sexual misconduct in order to eliminate the misconduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects on any individual or the community.
Questions or concerns about Title IX, sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or other forms of sexual misconduct may be directed to ORU’s Title IX Coordinator:
Danny Sexton
Title IX Coordinator & Risk Managment Advisor
7777 S. Lewis Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74171
918-495-7874
dsexton@oru.edu
titleix@oru.edu
Questions or concerns may also be directed to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights:
The Office of Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100
Telephone: (800) 421-3481
Facsimile: (202) 453-6012 TDD#: (800) 877-8339
Email: OCR@ed.gov
http://www.ed.gov/ocr
SCOPE OF THE POLICY
This policy applies to all ORU community members, including students, faculty, administrators, staff, and third parties, such as volunteers, vendors, independent contractors, and visitors.
All ORU community members are required to follow University policies and local, state, and federal law. This policy applies to conduct occurring on ORU property or at ORU-sanctioned events or programs that take place off campus, including study abroad, internships, distance education, and additional locations. In addition, this policy applies to conduct that ORU determines may cause or threaten to cause an unacceptable disruption at the University or which may interfere with an individual’s right to a non-discriminatory educational or work environment.
This policy applies to sexual misconduct committed against any person, regardless of the sexual orientation or gender identity of any of the parties. As discussed above, ORU is exempted from certain laws and regulations concerning discrimination on the basis of religion and maintains its right to uphold and apply its religious beliefs with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity in admissions, enrollment, employment, and other matters. However, ORU has no tolerance for any form of sexual harassment or sexual violence committed against any individual, regardless of the individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Individuals are strongly encouraged to report all incidents of sexual misconduct, including sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, even when the individual has a concern that they have engaged in conduct that may violate provisions of ORU’s Honor Code relating to sexual activity and unscriptural sexual acts. Such conduct will be addressed in accordance with ORU’s Amnesty and Restoration Policy, including the provision of support and spiritual guidance.