Title IX: Sexual Misconduct Policy

Wilmington University is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive community that recognizes the value of each individual and allows persons to learn and work in an environment free from harassment and discrimination. As part of this effort, the University will respond to sex-based harassment and discrimination through clear policies and grievance procedures, and commits itself to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment via educational programming, employee training, and by sanctioning those who violate this policy. This comprehensive policy is created and implemented by the University to address allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in addition to other prohibited misconduct as identified within the policy. This policy and procedures herein apply to all students, employees, and third parties, including contractors and vendors of the University.

Wilmington University prohibits all forms of sex and gender-based harassment, as well as the offenses of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking (collectively referred to in this policy as “Sexual Misconduct” and also constitutes “Prohibited Conduct” under this policy.) These offenses may also be prohibited by Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S. C. § 1681 et. seq. (“Title IX”), by the Clery Act and Section 304 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (“VAWA”), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes, to include Delaware H.B. 1. This Policy prohibits a broad continuum of behaviors, some of which are not prohibited under Title IX or other laws. Their inclusion in this policy reflects the University’s standards and expectations for a respectful working and learning environment where everyone is free to work and learn safely. However, complaints alleging discrimination based on pregnancy, different treatment based on sex, or other forms of discrimination do not fall under this policy but may still be addressed through either the Student Code of Conduct for complaints involving student respondents or the Employee Handbook, Title VII Policy, for complaints involving respondents who are employees.

The University will investigate and attempt to resolve all complaints of Prohibited Conduct in a prompt, fair and impartial manner. The University will treat all individuals involved with dignity and respect. All processes are driven by objective fact-finding and approached from a neutral standpoint, including the presumption that a respondent is not responsible for a violation of this policy before a finding that supports that exists.

For the entire Sexual Misconduct Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedures, please view the Title IX website.