I. Purpose and Statement of Policy

The College is committed to fostering a climate free from discrimination and harassment, through clear and effective policies, a coordinated education and prevention program, and prompt and equitable procedures for resolution of reports of conduct prohibited under this policy. The College encourages all members of its community to participate in the process of creating a safe, welcoming and respectful environment on campus.

The College is committed to taking all appropriate steps to eliminate prohibited conduct, prevent its recurrence and address its effects. Individuals found responsible under this policy may face disciplinary sanctions up to and including dismissal from the College and/or termination of employment. 

The College will not tolerate retaliation against an individual who makes a report or participates in any proceedings under this policy. Kenyon College policy prohibits any form of retaliation and community members engaging in retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, whether such acts are implicit or explicit, or committed directly or indirectly.

This policy provides the Kenyon community with (1) resources and recourse for individuals who experience prohibited conduct, (2) guidance to a reporting party, complainant, respondent or other affected community members, (3) Kenyon’s expectations for healthy respectful interpersonal interaction and communication, and (4) a procedural outline for addressing behaviors that are counter to Kenyon’s mission and prohibited by this policy.

This policy provides for several paths by which an individual who experiences Prohibited Conduct may proceed, including seeking assistance from confidential resources, filing a report with the College and/or law enforcement, seeking supportive measures, and filing a formal complaint. The filing of a formal complaint may lead to an informal resolution, or to a formal investigation and resolution. See the Policy Flowchart and Section XI., below.

All College proceedings under this policy are conducted in compliance with the requirements of Title IX, the Clery Act, as amended by VAWA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and state and federal law, as may be applicable. No information shall be released from such proceedings except as required or permitted by law and College policy.

The College emphasizes that every person, regardless of demographic or personal characteristics or identity, is entitled to the same protections against harassment and misconduct on the basis of a protected characteristic and that every individual will be treated with equal dignity and respect. 

To that end, the College’s objective is to provide a thorough and fair process using the procedures outlined in this policy. Formal Court rules of procedure and evidence are not applicable.