Policy

Union Presbyterian Seminary is committed to and strives to create an educational and work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Each individual has the right to study and work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal opportunities and prohibits unlawful discriminatory practices, including harassment. 

Therefore, UPSem expects that all relationships among persons in the educational setting and the workplace will be business-like and free of bias, prejudice, and harassment. The Seminary complies with the requirements of numerous state and federal laws in the administration of its mission and programs. Some of the state and federal laws applicable to issues of discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence include Title VI and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act; Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments; the Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA); the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA); Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; and the Age Discrimination of Employment Act (ADEA). 

Union Presbyterian Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, civil union status, military status, national origin, religious affiliation (except as religion may be a bona fide qualification), disability, sexual or affectual orientation, a typical hereditary cellular or blood trait of an individual, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Seminary is committed to equal employment opportunity under the law. Discrimination or harassment by an employee, student, or visitor will not be tolerated. 

In adopting these policies and procedures, the Seminary seeks to ensure that all members of its community, including visitors, have the right to learn and work in the safest possible community and environment, and to be free from all forms of harassment, discrimination and misconduct, including sex discrimination, sexual harassment, hostile work and learning environment, sexual violence, and gender-based harassment. All members of the Seminary community and visitors are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe on the rights of others. The purpose of the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy is to provide clear guidance regarding the Seminary’s internal systems of reporting, processing, and adjudicating complaints of discrimination and harassment. 

UPSem encourages reporting of all perceived incidents of discrimination or harassment. It is the policy of UPSem to promptly and thoroughly investigate such reports. UPSem prohibits retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports discrimination or harassment or participates in an investigation of such reports. 

Scope of Policy/Jurisdiction 

This policy applies to all Seminary employees, students, family members, visitors, and any other individuals who participate in the Seminary’s programs or activities or who are otherwise on campus. It applies at all times, and in all places, to those with any connection to the Seminary. At all times, the Seminary, in its sole discretion, may amend or revise this policy, and the practices and procedures included herein, as it deems appropriate. 

Seminary Resources 

For more information on this policy or to have a conversation on whether an incident is a potential violation of this policy, contact either: 

• Title VI/Title IX Coordinator: Rev. Lisa McLennan, Dean of Students and VP of Administration for CLT, F105, 980.636.1669, lisa.mclennan@upsem.edu,  

OR  

• Deputy Coordinator: Dr. Shawn Oliver, VP for Strategy and Institutional Effectiveness, 804.278.4224, shawn.oliver@upsem.edu  

For a confidential conversation that is not considered an official complaint or report, contact Rev. Mairi Renwick, Richmond Chaplain (mairi.renwick@upsem.edu) or Amanda Shanks, Charlotte Chaplain (amanda.shanks@upsem.edu). 

Emergency Contacts 

If you are the victim of sexual assault or violence, or for immediate response to any serious, life-threatening incident or for medical attention: 

Richmond Campus:  

• Richmond Police (911) for emergencies; (311) or (804.646.5100) for non-emergencies  
• Security - contracted through RMC Events (804.499.8577) from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Vice President of Finance and Administration (804.278.4235)  
• Facilities Office (804.278.4218) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  
• After Hours Assistant (804.317.7555) from 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.  

Charlotte Campus:  

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (911) for emergencies  
• (311) for non-emergency crime reporting  
• Vice President of Administration & Dean of Students Charlotte Campus (980.636.1669)  

Academic Freedom 

Union Presbyterian Seminary adheres to the principles and traditions of academic freedom as described in the Seminary’s academic freedom policy. When an alleged violation of this Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy potentially overlaps with concepts of academic freedom, a determination regarding whether the alleged conduct is protected by academic freedom will also be referred to the Academic Dean who will communicate with the assigned Title VI/Title IX Coordinator regarding this issue as the claim proceeds under this policy.