Consistent with the University's mission as a Catholic,
Vincentian, and metropolitan institution of higher education, the
University abides by all applicable federal, state and local laws
which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion,
color, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including sexual
harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship
status, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or
status in the uniformed services of the United States (including
veteran status) in any educational or employment program, policy,
or practice of St. John's University, New York. In accordance with
these laws, the University also prohibits retaliation against
anyone who has complained about discrimination,
discrimination-related harassment or otherwise exercised rights
guaranteed by these laws. All University policies, practices, and
procedures are administered in a manner that preserves its rights
and identity as a Catholic and Vincentian institution of higher
education. All members of the University Community have an
obligation to cooperate in the application of this policy and the
investigation of complaints of violations to this policy.
"Sexual harassment" includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests
for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature when:
- Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or
implicitly a condition of an individual's employment or
education.
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is
used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting
that individual.
- Conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering
with an individual's academic or professional performance by
creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment,
education, or living environment.
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect, when judged from the
perspective of a reasonable person in the position of the
complaining individual, of creating an intimidating, hostile or
offensive environment for working, learning, or enjoying other
University opportunities, programs and activities. This definition
of sexual harassment will be interpreted and applied consistently
with current legal standards, as well as accepted standards of
mature behavior, professional responsibilities, academic freedom
and freedom of expression.
Each member of the University community must exercise his or her
own good judgment to avoid engaging in conduct that may be
perceived by others as harassment. Forms of discrimination-related
harassment include, but are not limited to:
- Verbal: Repeated sexual
innuendoes, racial or sexual epithets, derogatory slurs, off-color
jokes, propositions, threats or suggestive or insulting
sounds.
- Visual/Non-Verbal: Derogatory
posters, cartoons, or drawings; suggestive objects or pictures;
graphic commentaries; leering; or obscene gestures; transmission of
such offensive material through University inter-office mails or
electronic communications systems.
- Physical: Unwanted physical
contact, including touching, patting, pinching, hugging, brushing
against another's body, or interference with an individual's normal
physical movements, sexual assault.
- Other: Making or threatening to
make reprisals as a result of a negative response to harassment.
For example, explicit or implied suggestions that submission to or
rejection of sexual advances will affect decisions regarding such
matters as an individual's employment, work assignments or status,
salary, academic standing, grades, participation in programs or
activities, athletic opportunities, receipt of financial aid,
grants, leaves of absence, or other similar matters affecting one's
employment or education. Subjecting employees or students to
harassment by a visitor to campus or while off-campus in the course
of conducting University business.