Policy & Law
The Policy
The University currently has two policies addressing forms of prohibited discrimination and harassment, including acts of sexual misconduct. Both policies describe prohibited conduct, resources for support, and procedural options. The policies apply to students, faculty and staff.
The Interim Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation applies to alleged acts of misconduct that occurred on or after August 1, 2024.
The Policy Prohibiting Acts of Bias, Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct applies to alleged acts of misconduct that occurred prior to August 1, 2024.
If you have questions about the policy, please contact the Office of Title IX & Equity Compliance at titleix@sju.edu or 610-660-1145.
Laws and Regulations
Below is a non-exhaustive list of federal laws and regulations related to harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct:
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex against any person in education programs and activities receiving federal funding. Students have the right to pursue an education, including athletic programs, scholarships and other activities, free from sex discrimination, including sexual violence and harassment. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) requires schools that receive federal financial assistance to take necessary steps to prevent sexual assault on their campuses and to respond promptly and effectively when an assault is reported.
The Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f)), commonly referred to as the Clery Act, requires colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to report annual statistics on crime on or near their campuses--including sexual assault and rape and to develop and disseminate prevention policies.
VAWA
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) established federal legal definitions of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
Campus SaVE
The Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (Campus SaVE) was enacted in March 2013 and amends the Jeanne Clery Act, creating additional protections for victims of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, as well as creating more prescriptive requirements for prevention and awareness programs related to these offenses.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VII is a provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, or national origin.
Immigration and Visa Information for Survivors of Sexual and Interpersonal Violence
Under the law, students and staff who are victims or survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence receive the same rights under Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments (Title IX) and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), regardless of immigration and visa status.