Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy & Procedures
The pursuit of inclusive excellence at Sacred Heart University (SHU) is grounded in the mission and core values of the institution.
This Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy informs the SHU community of Sacred Heart’s commitment to preventing and addressing discrimination and discriminatory harassment in its learning, working and living environments.
Policy Statement
Sacred Heart University does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on a person’s actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hair styles), color, national origin, ethnicity (including ancestry), religion, creed, political affiliation, citizenship or immigration status, sex (including but not limited to romantic or sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy, child-birth and related conditions, marital or domestic partnership status, family responsibilities, and domestic violence victim status) physical, mental, learning and intellectual disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law. Furthermore, SHU strictly prohibits retaliation against persons who file a complaint or assist in an investigation under this Policy or otherwise oppose, in a reasonable manner, that which they reasonably believe to be in violation of this Policy.
Sacred Heart University, Incorporated adopts as its policy to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties required under Connecticut General Statutes Section 4a-60(a)(1) and Section 4a-60a(a)(1), as amended in the State of Connecticut Public Act 07-245 and Section 9(a)(1) and Section 10(a)(1) of Public Act 07-142.
Scope of Policy
This Policy applies to all Sacred Heart University students, faculty, staff, admitted students, and faculty and staff in pre-employment status while participating in SHU programs, activities, services and/or employment on or off campus, or where the conduct of such SHU community member is otherwise of substantial interest to SHU.
History
Effective Date: May 12, 2023
Revised: March 19, 2024
Although Sacred Heart University has had policies and procedures in place that pre-date this Policy Effective Date, this Sacred Heart University Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy replaces and supersedes all other Sacred Heart University policies on discrimination as of the Effective Date.
If there is an imminent threat or danger, contact SHU Public Safety Emergency line at 203-371-7911 or local law enforcement by dialing 911.
Any person who believes they have experienced discrimination or harassment in violation of the Sacred Heart University Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy may file a complaint under these procedures.
Consistent with SHU Human Resources guidance, Faculty and Staff are encouraged to raise concerns over conduct with their immediate supervisor first when possible.
Discrimination or Harassment
Except where based on sex or disability
Complaints of Discrimination or Harassment based on any characteristic protected by the Policy, except sex, gender or disability, can be reported here using the Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment or Bias Incident Reporting Form. Contact SHU’s Director of Institutional Equity Compliance & Support, Freda Grant, at 203-396-8067 or grantf2@sacredheart.edu.
Discrimination or Harassment based on sex or gender
Complaints of Discrimination or Harassment based on sex or gender including but not limited to gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or sexual misconduct, including sexual violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking and relationship violence, are addressed by SHU’s Title IX Policy & Procedures.
Students should visit SHU Title IX for further information or contact SHU’s Title IX Coordinator, Beth Anne Voight-Jause at voight-jauseb@sacredheart.edu or call 203-416-3420. For employees, contact Freda Grant, Director of Institutional Equity Compliance & Support and Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees at grantf2@sacredheart.edu or 203-396-8067.
Discrimination or Harassment based on disability
Complaints of discrimination based on disability are addressed by the SHU 504/ADA Accommodation Grievances & Discrimination Complaint Procedures.
For questions, contact Freda Grant at 203-396-8067 or grantf2@sacredheart.edu.
In accordance with the requirement of 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Titles I and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) Sacred Heart University will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs or activities. SHU does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Dept. of Education, the U.S. Dept of Justice, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
State Rights, Federal Rights
Persons may, at any time, file a complaint with the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities, US Dept of Education Office for Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies.
SHU has procedures providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any act prohibited by the Sacred Heart University Anti-Discrimination & Discriminatory Harassment Policy.
The Office for Inclusive Excellence (OIE) receives all reports and generally begins by discussing the report with the individual who made the report. This discussion will assist OIE and the individual in determining the appropriate SHU resources and options to address the concerns reported.
OIE will maintain the confidentiality of the report when permitted. Some laws and legitimate SHU interests require disclosure of certain reported incidents to appropriate SHU officials. For questions about confidentiality, contact SHU’s Director of Institutional Equity Compliance & Support, Freda Grant, at 203-396-8067 or grantf2@sacredheart.edu.
While anonymous reports will be reviewed, such reports may not provide OIE sufficient basis to address the concerns in the report.
For more information, read the General Procedures Supporting the Sacred Heart University Anti-Discrimination & Discriminatory Harassment Policy.
Discrimination is adverse or less favorable treatment of a person(s), based on perceived or actual protected characteristic which adversely affects their access to or full participation in SHU programs, activities, services or employment.
Discriminatory Harassment is (1) unwelcome conduct (2) based on a person(s)’ perceived or actual protected characteristic where (3) (a) enduring the conduct becomes a condition of participation in a SHU program, activity, service or employment or (b) the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create an environment in a SHU program, activity, service or employment that a reasonable person in the same position as the individual would consider intimidating, hostile or abusive.
Unwelcome conduct that could constitute Discriminatory Harassment under this Policy includes, but is not limited to, epithets, derogatory comments or slurs, lewd propositions, assault, impeding or blocking movement, offensive touching or any physical interference with normal work or movement, and visual insults such as derogatory posters, cartoons and social media posts.
Even when Harassment is not based on a protected characteristic, Sacred Heart University has an interest in knowing and addressing such instances of Harassment in the University community. Harassment is in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and the Employee Handbook. Please use to report such behavior.
Retaliation is intentional adverse action taken by a responding individual or allied third party, absent legitimate nondiscriminatory purpose, against any member of the SHU community who (1) files a report, complaint or grievance under this Policy; (2) opposes, in a reasonable manner, actions or policies believed to be in violation of this Policy; or (3) participates in any investigation or resolution process, at Sacred Heart University or with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, or other human rights agencies.
Bias is the tendency of a person to favor or disfavor people, things or ideas. Identity bias can lead to Discrimination or Discriminatory Harassment.
Even when identity bias does not lead to Discrimination or Discriminatory Harassment, Sacred Heart University has an interest in knowing and addressing such instances of identity bias in the SHU community. Please complete the Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment or Bias Incident Reporting Form to report instances of identity bias even if it did not lead to Discrimination. Persons may also contact SHU’s Director of Institutional Equity Compliance & Support, Freda Grant, at 203-396-8067 or grantf2@sacredheart.edu.
SHU’s Bias Education and Support Team (BEST) may be able to assist in transformative dialog or other equitable resolution of such claims.
State Rights, Federal Rights & Other Resources
Persons may, at any time, file a complaint with the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other human rights agencies.