Sexual Harassment Policy

The seminary is committed to providing a work and learning environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and from conduct that can be considered harassing, coercive, or disruptive, including sexual harassment. Actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual's sex, race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated. Voicemail and electronic communications (such as e-mail and Internet use) are covered by this policy in the same manner as other communications and actions.

A. Definition of Unlawful Harassment

Unwelcome sexual advances (either verbal or physical), requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment when:

  • submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or academic status;

  • submission or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for making employment or academic decisions; or

  • the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment.

This definition includes many forms of offensive behavior and includes gender-based harassment of a person of the same sex as the harasser.

By the way of example, the following is a partial list of conduct that is prohibited at the seminary. This list is not intended to be an inclusive list of unacceptable conduct:

  • Unwanted sexual advances

  • Offering employment benefits or favorable grades or evaluations in exchange for sexual favors

  • Making or threatening reprisals after a negative response to sexual advances

  • Visual conduct that includes leering, making sexual gestures, or displaying of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, cartoons or posters

  • Verbal conduct that includes making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, or jokes related to an individual’s legally protected characteristic

  • Verbal sexual advances or propositionsVerbal abuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about an individual's body, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, or suggestive or obscene letters, notes, or invitations

  • Physical conduct that includes touching, assaulting, or impeding or blocking movements

B. Reporting Sexual Harassment

If you experience or witness sexual or other unlawful harassment you should report that violation immediately to any of the following individuals:

  • Glenn Taibl, male member of staff management

  • Deborah Kuehl, female member of staff management

  • Dennis Everson, male faculty supervisor

  • Diane Jacobson, female faculty supervisor

  • Howard Ostrem, Vice President for Administration

  • Richard Bliese, President of the seminary

Managers, supervisors, and faculty members who receive reports of violations of this policy are required to inform the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the dean of students, the dean of academic affairs, or the president of the seminary immediately.

C. Investigation And Response

All allegations of sexual harassment will be quickly and discreetly investigated. To the extent possible, your confidentiality and that of any witnesses and the alleged harasser will be protected against unnecessary disclosure. Anyone found to have engaged in sexual or other unlawful harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

D. Non-Retaliation Statement

Retaliation against employees or students who raise good faith concerns about sexual or other unlawful harassment is strictly prohibited. Anyone engaging in such retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.