Title IX Disclosures
GRACE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY & TITLE IX
Title IX and its related federal regulations prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex. Sex discrimination violates an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity. Grace Christian University considers sex discrimination to be a serious offense. Title IX refers to all forms of sex discrimination, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual violence by employees, students, or third parties meeting applicable Title IX definitions.
TITLE IX COORDINATOR & DEPUTY COORDINATORS
The Executive Vice President is responsible for coordinating the University’s compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the University Librarian serves as the University Title IX Coordinator. The University Title IX Coordinator conducts activities appropriate to assure compliance with Title IX.
NONDISCRIMINATION & ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICIES
The University’s compliance with Title IX is implemented in the context of the University’s broader Nondiscrimination/Anti-harassment Policy and Grievance Procedures, which generally advises the University community of prohibited discriminatory and harassing conduct by Community Members, as well as the resources and processes for addressing and resolving complaints of discrimination, harassment and/or violation of University policy. The university also prohibits sexual harassment.
SCOPE OF TITLE IX-RELATED ACTIVITIES
Matters involving allegations of sex-based discrimination, as well as allegations of sexual misconduct, as defined by the University’s policies on sexual misconduct are subject to review under Title IX.
FILING A COMPLAINT
Any student, faculty, staff, or visitor to our community may file a complaint to the Title IX Coordinator. In addition to reporting acts of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation internally to the Title IX Coordinator; students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to report any and all suspected or alleged criminal activity to Campus Security or local law enforcement authorities.
PRIVACY & CONFIDENTIALITY
Activities carried out in response to the University’s obligations under Title IX will be conducted with regard for any legitimate privacy and reputational interests of those involved. Information prepared or acquired under Title IX procedures will be shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know. Disclosure of such information may also be made if it is permitted by law and the University Title IX Coordinator determines in his or her judgment: (1) that such disclosure is necessary to protect the health, safety, or well-being of members of the Grace Christian community; or (2) that such disclosure advances the interests of those involved in the process and/or the University and outweighs the interest in confidentiality.
While the University Title IX Coordinator will take into account any requests made by a grievant for confidentiality or that a Title IX matter not be investigated, the University Title IX Coordinator will take appropriate steps to respond to the matter consistent with the requirements of Title IX.
RETALIATION
Retaliation against any person in the University community either for alleging discrimination prohibited by Title IX or for cooperating in a Title IX investigation or grievance is strictly prohibited.
STANDARD OF EVIDENCE
The University Title IX Coordinator shall review allegations of discrimination prohibited by Title IX by applying a preponderance of the evidence standard.
TIMELINESS OF TITLE IX
While the time it may take to investigate and resolve a Title IX matter will depend on a variety of factors, the University Title IX Coordinator will seek to resolve any grievance within a timely manner, which will depend on the nature and scope of the allegations being investigated.
RIGHT OF APPEAL & REVIEW OF DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS
Appeal rights are covered in detail in the Title IX Policies and Procedures document: Title-IX-Procedures GCU.pdf