POLICY AGAINST HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION

At Buena Vista University (BVU) we strive to create an environment where respect and dignity of each person is recognized as a core value.  It is particularly necessary that this respect encompass diversity and differences of opinion.  Buena Vista University values a community atmosphere that is free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.   

Harassment consists of abusive behavior directed toward an individual or group, including threats and demands.  Actions constitute harassment if: 1) they substantially interfere with another’s educational or employment opportunities, peaceful enjoyment of residence, or physical security, and 2) the actions are intentional and taken with the knowledge that they are likely to substantially interfere with protected interests identified above. 

Members of the BVU community, guests, and visitors have a right to be free from discrimination and harassment, and to be treated with respect. 

Buena Vista University prohibits discrimination 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 its faculty, administration, staff, students, guests, or visitors.

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.

BVU’s Policy Against Harassment and Discrimination applies to all forms of harassment and discrimination except sexual and gender-based misconduct.  Sexual misconduct includes sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation.  Allegations of sexual and gender-based misconduct will be handled in accordance with Buena Vista University’s Policy Against Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct, which can be found at www.bvu.edu/SexualMisconductPolicy. Allegations of sex discrimination that do not involve sexual misconduct will be handled under BVU’s Policy Against Harassment and Discrimination.     

If an individual believes that they have been discriminated against or have experienced discrimination or harassment, please contact the following:

Students:  Vice President for Student Success at 712.749.2656 or blackh@bvu.edu

Employees: Human Resources Director at 712.749.2049 or humanresources@bvu.edu