POLICY AGAINST DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT
Updated August 2026
At Buena Vista University (BVU), we strive to create an environment in which the dignity and worth of each person are recognized as core values. Respect for diversity, individual differences, and differences of opinion are essential to the University’s mission and shared community life. Discrimination and harassment are inconsistent with BVU’s mission, vision, and values, and the University is committed to maintaining a community atmosphere that is free from such conduct.
Scope
This policy prohibits discrimination and harassment and applies to all University students, faculty, staff, trustees, visitors, volunteers, and contractors.
Buena Vista University’s policies on sex-based discrimination and sexual harassment that are covered by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1974 fall within the scope of BVU’s Sexual Misconduct & Title IX Policy.
Definitions
Discrimination
For purposes of this Policy, discrimination is an adverse action or unequal treatment directed toward an individual or group because of a protected characteristic when such conduct denies or limits an individual's participation in, or the benefits of, the University's educational programs, activities, and employment, or other opportunities.
Conduct that is not based on a protected characteristic may violate other University policies or standards of conduct but does not constitute discrimination under this Policy.
Discrimination may result from individual or group actions, decisions, policies, practices, or patterns of behavior. Whether conduct constitutes discrimination under this Policy will be determined based on the totality of the circumstances.
Harassment
For purposes of this Policy, harassment is unwelcome conduct directed toward an individual or group because of a protected characteristic when such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive educational, living, or work environment .
Conduct that is not based on a protected characteristic may violate other University policies, including the Student Code of Conduct, Employee Handbook, or other applicable standards of conduct, but is not considered harassment under this Policy.
Harassing conduct may be verbal, written, visual, physical, or electronic and may occur in person or through digital or online platforms. Examples include, but are not limited to, derogatory comments, slurs, epithets, threats, intimidation, offensive jokes, repeated unwelcome communications, displays or distribution of derogatory or discriminatory materials or symbols, stalking, or other unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic.
Policy
Buena Vista University prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, creed, citizenship status, sex, marital status, familial status, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military service, or affiliation, genetic information, age, and any other characteristics protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, athletic programs, and other University programs and activities, and does not tolerate such discrimination or harassment of or by students, faculty, staff, trustees, visitors, volunteers, or contractors.
Buena Vista University is an equal opportunity employer; it is committed to ensuring fair and equal treatment to all employees or applicants for employment, regardless of their race, color, religion or religious belief, creed, citizenship status, sex, marital status, familial status, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military service or affiliation, genetic information, age, and any other characteristics protected by law. In addition, the University is governed by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1972, Title VII and Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act, and Iowa Code Chapter 216. This policy applies to all employment practices and terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to promotions, transfers, compensation, terminations, training, and participation in University-sponsored benefits or programs.
How to Report
Any person who believes they may have experienced or witnessed discrimination or harassment within Buena Vista University’s educational programs, activities, or employment as defined within this Policy are encouraged to make a report to the University.
Reports of conduct prohibited by this Policy may be reported to the University as follows:
- For student-related complaints, contact the Vice President for Student Success in the Office of Student Success at 712.749.1212 or studentsuccess@bvu.edu
- For employee-related concerns, contact the Director of Human Resources at 712.749.2049 or humanresources@bvu.edu
If the designated University official has a conflict of interest or is otherwise unavailable, the University may designate another qualified administrator to oversee the response.
Review and Resolution Process
Initial Assessment
Upon receiving a report, the University will conduct an initial assessment to determine the appropriate response under this Policy.
Investigation
If warranted after an initial assessment, the University will conduct or assign an outside party to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation appropriate to the nature of the report.
· When the respondent is a student, or when the complainant is a student and the respondent is a third party, the Vice President for Student Success or their designee will oversee the investigation in accordance with the Student Conduct Process outlined in the Buena Vista University Student Code of Conduct.
· When the respondent is a non-faculty employee, or when the complainant is a non-faculty employee and the respondent is a third party, the Director of Human Resources or their designee will oversee the investigation.
· When the respondent is a faculty member, the investigation will be conducted in accordance with applicable faculty and employee policies or by the Director of Human Resources or their designee.
Appropriate University officials, including Campus Security, may assist with investigations when necessary.
Investigations may include interviews and review of relevant documents, communications, electronic records, or other information reasonably related to the allegations. Parties are expected to cooperate with the investigation and provide relevant information and evidence.
The University will keep the parties informed of the status of the investigation as appropriate, and absent extenuating circumstances, investigations will generally be completed within sixty (60) calendar days from the receipt of the report, although additional time may be required based on the circumstances.
Investigation records will be maintained in accordance with applicable University record retention and confidentiality requirements.
Findings and Resolution
At the conclusion of the investigation, the appropriate University official will determine whether the available information supports a finding that this Policy has been violated. Where a policy violation is found, appropriate corrective action will be taken.
Disciplinary Action and Sanctions
Individuals found responsible for violating this Policy may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the applicable Student Code of Conduct, Employee Handbook, Faculty Handbook, or other University policies.
Depending on the nature and severity of the conduct, the University may also implement educational, restorative, reparative, or other corrective measures designed to prevent recurrence, remedy the effects of the misconduct, and/or support the educational mission of the University.
Sanctions may range from a written warning or reprimand to suspension, expulsion, or termination of employment. When appropriate, the University may contact law enforcement.
Appeals
Appeal processes and timeframes are established by the applicable procedures set forth in the Student Code of Conduct, Employee Handbook, Faculty Handbook, or other University policies. Appeals will be reviewed by a designated authority whose decision is final.
Prohibition Against False Reports
The University expects community members to make reports under this Policy in good faith. A good faith report is one made with an honest and reasonable belief that a violation of this Policy may have occurred based on the information available at the time. Knowingly making a false report or intentionally providing false information during an investigation is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.
Prohibition Against Retaliation
Retaliation against any individual for making a good faith report, participating in an investigation, assisting with a resolution process, or opposing conduct reasonably believed to violate this Policy is prohibited. Retaliation includes intimidation, threats, coercion, discrimination, or other adverse action and may result in disciplinary action under applicable University policies.
Resources
Individuals may report conduct that may also constitute a criminal offense to local law enforcement at any time. Reporting to law enforcement is not required for the University to receive or investigate a report under this Policy, and the University's process may proceed independently of any criminal investigation.
In an emergency, call 911.
Storm Lake Police Department
401 E. Milwaukee Avenue, Storm Lake, IA 50588
712.732.8010 | policedepartment@stormlake.org
Buena Vista County Sheriff's Office
411 Expansion Blvd., Storm Lake, IA 50588
712.749.2530 | bvso@bvsheriff.com
The following confidential resources are available to students and employees seeking emotional or mental health support. While these resources cannot receive formal reports under this Policy or replace the reporting procedures described above, they are available to provide support and assistance.
· Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Available to employees through Reliance Standard at 855.775.4357 or https://rsli.mylifeexpert.com/.
· Student Wellness Resources (Storm Lake Students)
On-campus students may access counseling, medical services, crisis support, and referrals through the BVU Wellness Center, Dixon-Eilers Hall 207, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Contact: wellnesscenter@bvu.edu or 712.749.1238. Additional 24/7 virtual support is available through TimelyCare at https://timelycare.com/bvu/.
· Student Wellness Resources (Online Students)
Online students may access confidential counseling and support through Employee & Family Resources (EFR) at 515.244.6090 or 800.327.4692.