This policy applies to all members of the University community, including FPU employees, students, applicants for admission or employment, third-party contractors and vendors, independent contractors, volunteers and any third party who enters FPU facilities. Every member of the community is responsible for complying with this Policy.
This policy applies to prohibited conduct alleged to have occurred:
- On FPU property;
- In connection with FPU activities, programs, or events;
- Online or off-campus where the conduct affects the FPU learning or working environment, would violate other University Policies had it occurred on campus, or where the University determines it has a substantial interest.
FPU recognizes and promotes its commitment to academic freedom and freedom of speech, as described in applicable FPU policies. However, freedom of speech and academic freedom are not limitless and do not protect speech or expressive conduct that violates federal or state anti-discrimination laws, such as the conduct prohibited by this Policy.
FPU also recognizes that many students are also employed by the University (“Student-Employee”). Under this Policy, Student-Employees may be treated either as students or employees based on the circumstances of each situation, in compliance with the provisions set forth below.
FPU further recognizes that some students are also unemancipated minors under the age of 18. Parents or guardians of unemancipated minors may exercise, on behalf of the minor student, all rights afforded to the minor student under this Policy, including filing reports of Prohibited Conduct, requesting supportive measures, and attending meetings and proceedings with the minor student, and may request to receive copies of notices, documents and information provided to the minor student pursuant to this Policy. Students who are age 18 or older and not otherwise subject to a conservatorship have privacy rights protected as a matter of law (including, but not limited to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) and University policy and, as such, are responsible for informing their parents of any such matters directly if the student wishes to do so.
Additionally, while this Policy comprehensively prohibits illegal harassment and discrimination, there will be some procedures which are only applicable to Title IX Sexual Harassment (defined below) because different legal requirements are applicable in such matters. Applicable distinctions in the processing of such complaints are addressed below.
This Policy has been approved by the Office of the President. It supersedes all other University policies regarding harassment, discrimination, Sex-Based Misconduct, or Title IX.