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 Return to: Student Handbook
Andrews University affirms that every human being is valuable in the sight of God. The University expects students, employees and guests to treat each other and the wider community with respect and dignity and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment. Students, both male and female, have the right to supportive academic, work and residential settings that are free from conduct that could create a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment. Students and employees should report inappropriate, erratic, harassing, threatening or violent behavior, no matter how mild or severe, that may jeopardize the health or safety of an individual or the community or that disrupts the mission and/or normal processes of the University. This allows the University to address behavioral concerns in a timely manner.
Discrimination
Andrews University prohibits discrimination against any student on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or any other legally protected characteristic. Discrimination that occurs because of a legally protected characteristic may violate the policies of the University even if the discriminatory behavior is not unlawful.
Sexual orientation, which is not a legally protected characteristic, is regarded by the University in a manner consistent with the position of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which makes a distinction between orientation and behavior. Sexual orientation is not to be a consideration in issues related to academic, work, residential or other campus environments, except as necessary to upholding the University’s commitment to moral propriety as understood by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. However, promoting or engaging in certain behaviors is prohibited in the University’s Code of Student Conduct (see Code of Student Conduct ).
Harassment
Andrews University prohibits harassment of any kind whether it takes place on-campus, off-campus or in online communications.
Harassment is often based upon an intentional intolerance or disparagement of perceived or actual personal characteristics such as race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or any legally protected characteristic. Harassment occurs when a person or group engages in unwelcome conduct so severe and/or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with or limits an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from academics, work or other services and activities or it creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive academic, work or residential environment. This definition of harassment should not be construed to infringe on the right of faculty, staff and students to discuss, inquire, express and petition within the limits described (see Right to Discuss, Inquire, Express and Petition ).
Harassing behaviors prohibited by this policy include, but are not limited to, the following: severe or pervasive use of derogatory words, jokes, slurs, epithets or statements; stereotyping activities; use of graffiti or other forms of pictorial or written messages of intimidation; threats about unwelcome physical contact; unwelcome physical contact; stalking; and bullying (repeated and/or aggressive behavior likely to intimidate or intentionally hurt, control or diminish another person).
What to do about Discrimination or Harassment
If you witness or experience behavior which you think is inappropriate, you should do something about it. The following steps are suggestions you may want to consider. Every circumstance is different, however, and the important thing is that you do take some steps to correct the behavior.
- Indicate assertively to the alleged harasser that such conduct is offensive and unwelcome and should be stopped immediately (studies show that most harassers will stop if they know their behavior is offending someone).
- Document a written report of the incident noting date, time and location; identifying alleged harasser and witnesses; and giving a detailed description of the unwanted behavior incident.
- Submit the report to one of the following: academic advisor or academic dean (if classroom-related), work supervisor or Human Resources director (if work-related), or Student Life (if peer-related or you are unsure who to report to).
Andrews University takes seriously any reports it receives of harassment or discrimination. A process is available for an investigation to be conducted and, where necessary, for corrective action to be taken.
Any student who makes, in good faith, a complaint/report of harassment or discrimination will suffer no adverse action from the University because of that complaint/report.
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