Statement on Nondiscrimination
Seattle University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of any of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered policies and programs, or in its employment related policies and practices. In addition, the University does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information in its employment related policies and practices, including coverage under its health benefits program.
All University policies, practices and procedures are administered in a manner consistent with Seattle University’s Catholic and Jesuit identity and character. Inquiries relating to these policies may be referred to the University’s Chief EEO Officer/Title IX Coordinator at (206) 220-8515.
Consistent with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, Seattle University has designated three individuals responsible for coordinating the University’s Title IX compliance. Students or employees with concerns or complaints about discrimination on the basis of sex in employment or an education program or activity may contact the following Title IX coordinator or Title IX contact persons:
Michele Murray, PhD
Vice President for Student Development
Title IX Contact Person
Division of Student Development - Student Center 140B
(206) 296-6066
mmurray@seattleu.edu
Andrea Herrera Katahira
Assistant Vice President for Institutional Equity
Chief EEO Officer / Title IX Coordinator | ADA/504 Coordinator
Office of Institutional Equity - Loyola Hall 300
(206) 220-8515
katahira@seattleu.edu
Michelle Clements
Vice President for Human Resources
Human Resources Department - Rianna Building 214
(206) 296-5869
clementsm@seattleu.edu
Individuals may also contact the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.
Bias-Related Harassment
Seattle University values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community. By encouraging and protecting diversity, we create an environment that promotes freedom of thought and academic excellence.
It is a violation of University policy and the Code of Student Conduct to engage in bias-related conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational, living or working environment. The term “Bias-related” conduct refers to language or behaviors that demonstrate bias against persons or groups because of race, color, ethnicity, religion, faith, national origin, political orientation or sexual orientation.
These categories are examples and are not an exhaustive list of attributes or characteristics protected under this policy.
A student feeling unsafe or threatened because of bias-related harassment should always seek help from a responsible member of the University community who is trained and able to assist. The University offers informal and formal procedures for processing and responding to concerns of hostile or unwelcome behavior. The following individuals are available to assist students:
Darrell L. Goodwin
Dean of Students
Student Center 320
(206) 296-6060
goodwind@seattleu.edu
Andrea Herrera Katahira
Assistant Vice President for Institutional Equity
Chief EEO Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and ADA/504 Coordinator
(206) 220-8515
katahira@seattleu.edu
Students may also make formal or informal complaints using the procedures contained in the Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure for Students, or in the case of allegations involving a member of faculty, staff or administration, students may also contact Andrea Herrera Katahira, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Equity, Chief EEO Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and ADA/504 Coordinator, 220-8515; or Jerry Huffman, Vice President for Human Resources and University Services, 296-5870, to make a complaint or discuss a concern.
Discrimination Complaint Resolution Procedure and Options for Students
At Seattle University we value and celebrate a diverse educational community. We are united in the common goal of teaching and learning, educating for values, preparing for service and fostering the holistic development of persons. Consistent with our mission and the law, Seattle University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual or political orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of any of its education and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered policies and programs and employment related polices and activities.
A student who has a concern about possible discriminatory treatment experienced in connection with University programs, services, facilities or activities is encouraged to discuss those concerns with a member of the University community who is trained and able to assist, including Andrea Herrera Katahira, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Equity, Chief EEO Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and ADA/504 Coordinator, 220-8515; and Darrell Goodwin, Dean of Students, 296-6060.
It is a violation of the University’s non-discrimination policy to discriminate or retaliate against any student because he or she has opposed any discriminatory practice proscribed by University policy, or because the student has filed a complaint, testified, assisted or participated in any manner in any University procedures designed to resolve an allegation of discrimination.
The Discrimination Complaint Resolution Procedure for Students can be found in Section 4.3 of the Code of Student Conduct: http://seattleu.edu/deanofstudents/policies/code-of-conduct/
Sexual Harassment Policy
Seattle University seeks to promote and maintain an environment free from harassment of any type. Sexual harassment can interfere with a student’s academic performance and emotional and physical well-being. Preventing and remedying sexual harassment at Seattle University is essential to ensuring a nondiscriminatory environment in which students can learn. A complete copy of the Policy and Complaint Procedure Relating to Sexual Harassment of Students by Students is available in the office of the Vice President for Student Development.
If a student has a concern about harassment by another student or group of students, this should be reported to the Office of Public Safety, or any of the Contact Persons listed below. If a student has a concern about harassment by a member of the faculty, staff or administration, or by anyone in an employment or teaching situation, this should be reported to Human Resources and is governed by the Seattle University Policy on Sexual Harassment.
Definitions
Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome, offensive behavior of a sexual nature; 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 term or condition of employment or academic admission or advancement;
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis (or threatened to be used as the basis) for employment actions or academic decisions or evaluations; or
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment.
Sexual harassment can occur between or among supervisors, managers and subordinates, faculty and staff, or students, peers, vendors, subcontractors, visitors, and employees or students, and any combination thereof. The harasser is often, but not always, in a more powerful position than the person being harassed. In such situations, sexual harassment is particularly serious because it may unfairly exploit the power inherent in a supervisor’s or faculty member’s position. All forms of sexual harassment are violations of the University’s policy and will not be tolerated.
Contact Persons
Students may consult informally or make a complaint with one of the following designated contact person:
Darrell L. Goodwin
Dean of Students
PAVL 180A (206) 296-6060
goodwind@seattleu.edu
Because sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, it can be a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. In addition to the Contact Persons listed above, the University has designated individuals responsible for coordinating the University’s Title IX compliance. Students with concerns or complaints about harassment on the basis of sex in an education program or activity may also contact any one of the following Title IX coordinator:
Andrea Herrera Katahira
Assistant Vice President for Institutional Equity
Chief EEO Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and ADA/504 Coordinator
(206) 220-8515
katahira@seattleu.edu
Individuals may also contact the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.
Confidentiality
Those persons responsible for consulting about, investigating, and resolving complaints of sexual harassment will make efforts, to the extent possible, to protect privacy of both the complainant and the respondent.
Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures for Students
Any student who believes that he or she has been a victim of sexual harassment by another student or group of students and wishes to report or discuss the matter may use either a formal or informal complaint procedure.
No individual shall be penalized or retaliated against in any way by a member of the University community for their participation in this complaint procedure.
Informal Complaint Procedure
The informal complaint procedure seeks to achieve a resolution upon which both the complainant and the alleged harasser agree. An informal complaint may be oral or in writing. It should be brought to one of the contact persons listed above.
Informal complaints may have several outcomes. The person raising the issue may only want to discuss the matter with a neutral third party to clarify whether harassment may be occurring and to determine their options, including the pursuit of more formal action.
In such a situation, the contact person will give assistance and offer suggestions on how the issue might be resolved, without drawing a conclusion as to whether harassment has occurred.
In other cases, the contact person may be asked to act as a mediator, to talk to the other person(s) to see whether an informal resolution of the issue can be reached. If this process reaches a resolution, no further actions will be taken, and the matter will be considered closed.
The Dean of Students will keep a record of the complaint and its resolution, including the names of the involved parties. Issues not resolved may require further inquiries and/or that the University take a more active role in finding a solution to the problem. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached, the formal complaint procedure may be used at the option of the complainant, the respondent or the University.
Formal Complaint Procedure
A complainant may make a formal complaint without first using the informal complaint procedure. A formal complaint should be in writing and submitted to the Dean of Students. The formal complaint should include: the alleged harasser’s name; the times, dates, places and circumstances surrounding the allegation of harassment; and the names of any witnesses to the incident(s). The complainant may request assistance from a contact person in preparing a written complaint.
A formal complaint can be initiated by any of the contact persons, including the Dean of Students. The President, Provost, Vice Presidents or Deans may request the Office of the Vice President for Student Development conduct an investigation or conduct a review without a formal complaint from any one individual.
After receipt of the formal complaint, the Dean of Students or their designee will review student files and will consult with the complainant, the person against whom the complaint is made, any witnesses and appropriate faculty, staff and students in an attempt to resolve the matter and/or to determine whether further investigation is warranted. A copy of the formal complaint will be provided to the individual against whom the complaint is made. A formal investigation can be terminated at any time, e.g., if a satisfactory resolution is agreed to before a written finding is made, or if an appropriate resolution is implemented.
Upon completion of the investigation, the Dean of Students will determine if the complaint merits adjudication and will notify the complainant and respondent, if any, in writing of the findings and recommendations. Even where prohibited harassment is not found, the Office of the Vice President for Student Development may determine that the conduct is inappropriate or otherwise violates the Code of Student Conduct.
A complainant or respondent dissatisfied with the findings or recommendations may file a rebuttal statement with the Dean of Students for inclusion in the investigative file. In cases that warrant adjudication, the Office of the Vice President for Student Development retains the right to determine whether the review will be conducted by the faculty/student review board, the peer review board or by an administrator designated by the vice president for Student Development. The proceedings will be conducted in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct.
Sexual Offenses, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Policy
Seattle University affirms respect, responsibility, and care between all persons. Conduct constituting domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or a sexual offense whether forcible or non-forcible such as non-consensual sexual intercourse, non-consensual sexual contact, sexual exploitation or sexual assault, will not be tolerated. Behavior of this nature is inconsistent with Seattle University values, and is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and the University’s Sexual Offenses, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Policy. Students committing a sexual offense in any form can be prosecuted under the Washington State Criminal Code (RCW 9A) and/or disciplined under the Code of Student Conduct.
The University’s Sexual Offenses, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Policy can be found in Section 4.6 of the Code of Student Conduct: seattleu.edu/deanofstudents/policies/code-of-conduct/.
Sexual Misconduct Information and Resources
Additional information about sexual misconduct and the resources available to survivors and students accused of sexual misconduct can be found on the University’s Sexual Misconduct Information and Resources website: http://seattleu.edu/deanofstudents/sexual-misconduct-information-and-resources/
Students with Disabilities
Seattle University’s policy and practice is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state and local requirements relating to students with disabilities. Under these laws, the university cannot deny a qualified individual with a disability access to or participation in the university’s services, programs and activities. Students seeking reasonable accommodation, services, adjustments or modifications on account of a disability should contact Disabilities Services at (206) 296-5740. More information about policies, procedures and services for students with disabilities is available on the Disabilities Services website at http://seattleu.edu/disabilities-services/
Section 504/ADA Policy and Appeal Procedure
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Seattle University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in administration of its education-related programs and activities, and has an institutional commitment to provide equal educational opportunities for disabled students who are otherwise qualified.
Students who believe they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability, or have been denied access to services or accommodations required by law, have the right to use the university’s Section 504/ADA Policy and Appeal Procedure. A copy is available at the University’s policies website: http://seattleu.edu/policies/. Contact the Chief Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator regarding this policy or ADA/504 compliance at (206) 220-8515 or e-mail katahira@seattleu.edu.
Ownership and Use of Seattle University Trademarks
Seattle University trademarks and service marks, and other names, seals, logos and symbols that are representative of Seattle University may be used only with written approval of Seattle University. The university graphic identity is copyrighted and may not be used on publications or products originating outside of Seattle University without express written permission of Marketing Communications. For more information, call (206) 296-2104.
Licensing Program
Seattle University has established a Licensing Program that seeks to protect and promote the Seattle University brand and ensure that the public can properly identify and associate Seattle University’s name and logos with officially licensed products bearing Seattle University’s marks.
All University departments, clubs and organizations are required to use a licensed vendor to produce products bearing Seattle University’s marks.
Additional information is available at the University’s Licensing Program website: http://seattleu.edu/marcom/licensing/
For more information, contact the campus store at (206) 296-5822; http://www.seattleu.edu/campus-store/
Copyright
Copyright laws protect original works of authorship and give copyright holders the exclusive right to: copy, distribute, publish, prepare derivatives or revisions of, perform, or display works in public.
Each student is responsible for complying with applicable copyright laws and with the university’s Copyright Policy and Guidelines. Violation of copyright laws may result in civil or criminal liability, and violation of the university’s copyright policy may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal. To review the copyright policy and guidelines and view general copyright information, visit http://www.seattleu.edu/policies/copyright-policy/.
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