Retaliation

The Seminary prohibits retaliation against any individual who pursues a claim under this policy. Important issues related to retaliation include the following items. 

• Charging an individual with code of conduct violations that do not involve sexual harassment, but arise out of the same facts or circumstances as a report or complaint of discrimination or sexual harassment, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title VI or Title IX constitutes retaliation. 
• The Seminary will take every precaution to protect the Complainant and any witnesses from retaliatory action by the Respondent. The Respondent will be instructed not to retaliate against the Complainant in any way or against any other person connected to the complaint as that action may result in a separate disciplinary action. 
• The Seminary must keep confidential the identity of Complainants, Respondents, and witnesses, except as may be permitted by FERPA, as required by law, or as necessary to carry out a proceeding. 
• Complaints alleging retaliation may be filed with the Coordinator. 
• The exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment does not constitute retaliation. 
• Charging an individual with a code of conduct violation for making a materially false statement in bad faith during a Title VI or Title IX grievance proceeding does not constitute retaliation; however, a determination regarding responsibility, alone, is not sufficient to conclude that any party made a materially false statement in bad faith.