Gustie Guide 2024-2025Dean of Students

COLLEGE SEX DISCRIMINATION POLICY, 2024-2025

I. Introduction

Members of Gustavus Adolphus College (“Gustavus” or the “College”) community, guests and visitors have the right to be free from all forms of Sex Discrimination. All members of the campus community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. The College will not tolerate any violation of this Policy. 

This Policy outlines the College's community expectations to ensure a campus free from Sex Discrimination, the steps for recourse for those individuals who have been subject to Sex Discrimination, and the procedures for determining whether a violation of College policy has occurred. This Policy applies to the following forms of Sex Discrimination: Non-Harassment Discrimination (Differential Treatment, Retaliation, and Failure to Provide a Student Reasonable Modifications for Pregnancy and Related Conditions) and Sex-Based Harassment (Quid Pro Quo Harassment, Hostile Environment Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking, and Sexual Exploitation), as those terms are defined in this Policy. For the College's nondiscrimination policy regarding other protected class statuses, see the All-College Policy on Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Other Unwelcome Misconduct. Where the content of this Policy conflicts with other similar policies set forth in the student and/or Faculty and Employee handbooks, the requirements of this Policy shall prevail.

This Policy supersedes any previous policies regarding sex discrimination, sexual misconduct and/or retaliation under Title IX and will be reviewed and updated, as needed, by the Title IX Coordinator. The College reserves the right to make changes to this document as necessary, and once those changes are posted online, they are in effect, and shall be applicable immediately to faculty, staff and students, with or without notice. If government laws or regulations change, or court decisions alter, the requirements in a way that impacts this document, this document will be construed to comply with the most recent government regulations or holdings. 

II. Non-Discrimination

In accordance with applicable federal and state laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments, the College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship status, ancestry, or any other protected status under federal, state or local law applicable to the College, in its education programs and activities, in employment policies and practices, and all other areas of the College. 

Sex discrimination is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a federal law that provides that: “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.” The College is required by Title IX and its regulations not to engage in sex discrimination in its education program or activity, including admissions and employment. Sex discrimination is conduct based upon an individual's sex, including on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity, that excludes an individual from participation in, denies the individual the benefits of, or treats the individual less favorably in an education program or activity. Sex-Based Harassment is a form of sex discrimination. In accordance with Title IX and its regulations, the College’s Title IX Policy addresses the College's prohibition of the following forms of sex discrimination: Non-Harassment Discrimination (Differential Treatment, Retaliation, and Failure to Provide a Student Reasonable Modifications for Pregnancy and Related Conditions) and Sex-Based Harassment (Quid Pro Quo Harassment, Hostile Environment Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking, and Sexual Exploitation).[1] 

The College prohibits unlawful sex discrimination in any form. The College will promptly and equitably respond to all reports of Sex Discrimination. To report information about conduct that may constitute Sex Discrimination or to make a complaint of Sex Discrimination, please contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Questions or concerns about Title IX and/or Sex Discrimination, including Sex-Based Harassment, may be directed to the College's Title IX Coordinator:

Amy Pehrson, Title IX Coordinator
Gustavus Adolphus College
Campus Center, 201A
800 W. College Ave
Saint Peter, MN 56082
507-933-6360
apehrson@gustavus.edu

Questions or concerns regarding Section 504 compliance may also be directed to the College’s Title IX Coordinator in her role as Assistant Dean of Students. 

Questions or concerns may also be directed to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights:

The Office of Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100
Telephone: (800) 421-3481
Facsimile: (202) 453-6012 
Email: OCR@ed.gov 
http://www.ed.gov/ocr 

III. Scope

This Policy applies to all College community members, including but not limited to, students, employees, faculty, administrators, staff, applicants for admission or employment, and third parties, such as trustees, volunteers, vendors, independent contractors, visitors, and any individuals or entities that do business with the College or are regularly or temporarily employed, studying, living, visiting, conducting business or having any official capacity with the College or on College property. This Policy may also apply to individuals who interact with College community members under certain circumstances. All College community members are required to follow College policies and local, state, and federal law.

This Policy applies to Sex Discrimination committed by or against a College community member, including conduct occurring on campus or College property, conduct that occurs at College-sanctioned events or programs that take place off campus, such as study abroad and internships, and off campus conduct that may (1) have continuing adverse effects on campus, College property, or in a College program or activity, (2) substantially and unreasonably interfere with a community member’s employment, education or environment on campus, College property, or in a College program or activity, or (3) create a hostile environment for community members on campus, College property, or in a College program or activity.

This Policy applies regardless of the sexual orientation or gender identity of any of the parties.