Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

Washington and Lee University encourages the development of collegial and professional relationships among all members of the University community and is committed to a learning and work environment of civility and respect. Romantic and/or sexual attention, interaction, or relationships between certain categories of individuals at the University undermine the fundamental educational purpose of the institution and disrupt the workplace and learning environment. Employees found to have violated this policy may be disciplined up to and including termination from employment. The faculty-student relationship is one of trust in the institution and the faculty member, who has the professional responsibility for being a mentor, educator, and evaluator. Faculty-student and employee-student romantic and/or sexual attention, interaction, or relationships, even mutually-consenting ones, interfere with a student’s unfettered pursuit of learning and the integrity of the academic and workplace environment. The intent of this policy is to promote the treatment of each member of the University community with dignity and respect. W&L has no intent to intrude in the personal lives of its employees except to the extent that they may negatively affect other community members and the mission of the institution.

In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Virginia Human Rights Act, and all other applicable non-discrimination laws, Washington and Lee University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other protected class under the law in its educational programs and activities, admissions, and with regard to employment.

“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...” 20 U.S.C. § 1681. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681) is an all-encompassing federal law that prohibits discrimination based on the gender of students and employees of educational institutions which receive federal financial assistance. Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, stalking, and retaliation of any form are an affront to human dignity and fundamentally at odds with the values of Washington and Lee University. The University community has a responsibility to maintain an environment free from harassment. It is committed to taking all appropriate steps to eliminate prohibited conduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. The University is committed to fostering a climate free from sexual misconduct through clear and effective policies, a coordinated education and prevention program, and prompt and equitable procedures for resolution of complaints that are accessible to all. The University encourages all members of our community to participate in creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment on campus. Ultimately, each member of the community is expected to assume responsibility for his or her conduct, to report behaviors that may violate this policy, and to take reasonable and prudent actions to prevent or stop acts of sexual misconduct.

Under the Washington and Lee University’s nondiscrimination statement, students, faculty, and staff have the right to be free from prohibited discrimination, harassment, and retaliation within the University community. Specifically, the University prohibits and this policy addresses discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, ethinicity, age, marital status, disability, military status, and genetic information in its educational programs and activities and with regard to employment. The University also prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation on the basis of sex and gender, including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, stalking, and domestic and dating violence as described and addressed in the separate Sexual Discrimination and Misconduct Policy. Finally, the University prohibits retaliation against any individual who brings a good faith complaint under this policy or is involved in the complaint process. Such conduct violates not only University policy and expectations of personal integrity and respect for others, but may also violate state and federal law. Students, faculty, and staff found to have violated this policy will be disciplined appropriately, up to and including termination from employment or dismissal from the University. This policy applies to all Washington and Lee University students, faculty, staff, and volunteers, as well as all visitors to campus (including vendors, contractors, visiting athletes, alumni, parents and guests of students, etc.).