Sexual Harassment Policy

Washburn University of Topeka intends to assure a harassment-free environment in which to work and to pursue educational goals. Sexual harassment is a form of misconduct which undermines the integrity of employee relationships and student-faculty relationships.

Sexual harassment of students is a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination in education. Academic sexual harassment is the use of authority to emphasize the sexuality of a student in a manner which prevents or impairs that student's full enjoyment of educational benefits, environment or opportunities. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when (1) the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's academic performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive education environment (2) imposed by an employee or agent of Washburn University which denies, limits, conditions or provides different aid, benefits, services or treatment.

All persons must be allowed to pursue their activities at Washburn University free from unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures or conduct. The administration of Washburn University strongly disapproves of such inappropriate conduct and will not tolerate its occurrence. Complaints of sexual harassment should be made verbally or in writing to Dr. Pamela Foster, Director of Equal Opportunity, 380A Morgan Hall, (785) 670-1509.

See also Washburn University's Equal Opportunity statement.