Harassment Policy

Marquette University, as a Catholic, Jesuit institution, insists that all human beings possess an inherent dignity and equality because they are made in the image and likeness of God. The university entirely and consistently disowns, as a matter of principle, any unlawful or wrongful discrimination against the rights of others. Marquette University seeks to provide an environment whereby students, faculty, staff, guests and visitors can study, work, and experience the university community without harassment or discrimination.

Marquette University prohibits harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteranâs status or national origin, or any other characteristics protected by law, in its programs and activities. In addition to being contrary to the universityâs Mission and Guiding Values, harassment and discrimination are prohibited by this policy, the universityâs Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy, and state and federal laws. The university is dedicated to providing a prompt and thorough response to conduct that adversely impacts, or has the potential to adversely impact, the educational or work environment of Marquette University faculty, students, staff, guests and visitors.

This Harassment and Discrimination Policy (âPolicyâ) has been developed to provide recourse for individuals who believe their rights as protected by this Policy have been violated, and serves as a means to determine, after the fact, if specific behaviors constitute violations of this Policy.

Prohibited Conduct under this Policy

Harassment, as defined by this Policy, includes any action, language or visual representation, based on any characteristic protected by law including race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteranâs status or national origin, that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, persistent or patently offensive that it has the effect of unreasonably interfering with that individualâs work or academic performance, or that creates a hostile working, educational or living environment. Sexual harassment and harassment based on gender are prohibited at the university and are covered under the Marquette University Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy, as are other forms of Sexual Misconduct defined therein (including sexual assault, dating or relationship violence or stalking).

Non-discriminatory harassment as defined by this Policy, includes any action, language or visual representation, that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, persistent or patently offensive that it has the effect of unreasonably interfering with that personâs work or academic performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, educational, or living environment. It is a violation of this Policy for a member of the Marquette community (faculty, staff, student, guest or visitor, or anyone else acting at the instigation of a Marquette community member) to:

Engage in any form of harassment whether intentional or unintentional on the campus or in the off-campus area.

Retaliate against a person who has initiated an inquiry or complaint having to do with harassment.

Procedures

Information about harassment is available from the following offices: Student Development, Residence Life, Student Affairs, Campus Ministry, Counseling Center, Recreational Sports, Marquette University Medical Clinic, International Education and Marquette University Police Department (MUPD). The Office of Human Resources may be contacted for counseling and assistance relating to affirmative action issues. Anyone with a question or concern about harassment is encouraged to contact one of the above offices for counsel and assistance.

Harassment complaints about a student should be filed with the Office of Student Development or Marquette University Police Department. Harassment complaints about an employee (including a student employee) should be filed with the employeeâs immediate supervisor. If the complaint is with the immediate supervisor, the employee should contact the supervisorâs immediate superior. A complaint about a guest or visitor should be called to the attention of the host or the supervisor of the area or event where the concern has arisen.

The right of confidentiality for any party involved in a harassment incident, including the complainant and the charged, will be respected insofar as it does not interfere with the universityâs obligation to investigate allegations of misconduct and to take corrective action where appropriate.

Any student or employee may also contact the affirmative action officer for counseling and assistance.

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