Title IX and Gender Equity
Notice of Non-Discrimination
In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Pentecostal Theological Seminary does not condone discrimination against students, faculty or staff based upon sex in any of its programs or functions, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment. Sexual misconduct is a type of sex discrimination and is prohibited by Title IX and by the Pentecostal Theological Seminary.
The Pentecostal Theological Seminary is committed to responding immediately and effectively to any reports of possible discrimination based on sex. An individual who has questions regarding sexual harassment or sex discrimination should contact the PTS Title IX Coordinator.
PTS Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Policy Statement
The Pentecostal Theological Seminary is committed to providing a safe and wholesome educational and work environment in which no member of the Seminary community is, on the basis of sex, excluded from involvement in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any Seminary program or activity. Gender-based and sexual harassment, including sexual violence, are forms of sex discrimination in that they violate the dignity due all individuals and deny or limit an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from Seminary programs or activities. Those who are in violation of the Seminary’s harassment and discrimination policies are subject to disciplinary actions. The Seminary reserves the right to uphold policies based on biblical standards in all areas of campus life.
It is the policy of the Seminary to encourage reporting of sexual or discriminatory incidents; to prevent incidents of sexual and gender-based harassment; to make available appropriate services for those who have been affected by discrimination; and to provide rapid and fair methods of investigation and resolution to stop discrimination, rectify any harm, and prevent its recurrence. Violations of this Policy may result in the implementation of actions up to, and including, termination, dismissal, or discharge, as determined by the appropriate officials at the Seminary.
Retribution against an individual for raising a claim of sexual or gender-based harassment, for aiding in an investigation of such a complaint, or for opposing discriminatory practices is illegal. Submitting a complaint that is not in good faith or providing false or misleading information in any investigation of complaints is also prohibited.
This policy is designed to guarantee a safe and non-discriminatory educational and work environment and to meet legal requirements, including: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the Seminary’s programs or activities; and relevant sections of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in employment.
Addressing Complaints
Concerns about conduct by a student, employee, or third party that may violate this policy should be reported to:
Welton Wriston,
Director of Student Services
(423) 478-7250
or
Karen Holley, Title IX Coordinator
Special Assistant to the VPA
(423) 478-7973
Office: Gause Administration Building 129
Definitions
Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is unwanted, unconsented to, or inappropriate. All types of sexual harassment are prohibited by PTS.
The following are some actions that may constitute sexual harassment:
Hostile Environment
A hostile environment can be created by persistent conduct or by one severe episode. The actions listed above serve as possible, but not exhaustive, examples. The more severe the conduct, the less need there is to indicate a repetitive series of episodes in order to prove a hostile environment.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault includes, but is not limited to non-consensual sexual intercourse and non-consensual sexual contact, such as sexual touching and fondling. This includes the touching of an unwilling individual’s intimate parts (defined as genitalia, groin, breast, buttock, or clothing covering them) or forcing an unwilling individual to touch another persons intimate parts.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence includes asserted violent offenses committed by an individual’s current or former spouse, current or former cohabitant, person similarly situated under domestic or family violence law, or anyone else protected under domestic or family violence law.
Dating Violence
Dating violence refers to violence by a person who has been in a romantic or
intimate relationship with the victim. Proof of such a relationship will be
determined by its length, type, and frequency of interaction.
Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation refers to taking advantage of the sexuality and attractiveness of an individual in order to obtain personal gain or profit. It is the maltreatment of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust for sexual reasons.
Stalking
Stalking means a type of conduct directed at a specific individual that would cause a reasonable person to fear for her, his, or others' safety, or to suffer significant psychological and/or emotional distress.
Retaliation
Retaliation occurs when a school intimidates, pressures, coerces, or in any way discriminates against a person who has conveyed a concern or reported a possible violation of a federal civil right. This includes formal or informal reports of a violation and reports regarding a violation of your rights or the rights of someone else.
There are various forms of school conduct that could be considered retaliatory if they occur in response to your complaint. Some examples could include:
For such actions to qualify as retaliation they must be related to your civil rights concern or complaint being brought to the school’s attention.
Reporting Activity that Violates Title IX Policies
Employees, students and third parties should make known incidents of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation to the Title IX coordinator as quickly as possible. This office will provide the means for reporting these violations.
If there is any imminent danger to person or property, please be sure to first report the incident to the police department.
Additional Services for Victims
Suitable referrals to community services will be provided to victims of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and/or stalking.
