In Case Of Emergency: First call 911, then Campus Public Safety at 503-554-2090. Our Title IX coordinator can be reached by emailing TitleIX@georgefox.edu.

Sexual Misconduct Policies & Procedures

George Fox University is committed to providing a Christ-centered community that fosters a safe living, learning and work setting for students, employees and visitors. A core value of this institution is to maintain a respectful environment for all individuals that are free of the following:

These behaviors and actions are contrary to the mission, values and lifestyle standards of our community, and are violations of federal and/or state law. It is our firm belief that engaging in any aspect of this behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by members of the George Fox community.

Institutional Compliance with Title IX and Oregon HB 3415

It is the policy of George Fox University to provide an educational environment free of all forms of sex-based discrimination, including but not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment, as defined in this policy and as otherwise prohibited by state and federal statutes.

Sexual harassment, including acts of sexual assault and sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination and is prohibited at George Fox University. This prohibition against discrimination on the basis of sex applies to all students, faculty and staff, to other members of the George Fox community, and to contractors, consultants and vendors doing business or providing services to the school.

In accordance with Title IX, the president of George Fox University has designated the following Title IX coordinator(s) as officials with the authority to institute corrective measures on behalf of the institution.

Title IX Coordinators

Roles and Responsibilities

The Lead Title IX Coordinators are responsible for receiving reports of sexual misconduct, assessing and coordinating supportive measures for the complainant, and coordinating a formal complaint process.

The Deputy Title IX Coordinators are responsible for the coordination of training, education, communications, and for notifying the Lead Title IX Coordinators of reports of sexual misconduct. Deputy Coordinators may also be assigned as coordinators, investigators, or hearing officers as needed.

When Should I Contact a Title IX Coordinator?

Any student, faculty or staff member, or applicant for admission or employment who has concerns about sex discrimination, including but not limited to acts of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual violence, is encouraged to seek the assistance of one of the Title IX Coordinators identified above.

Contact a Title IX Coordinator if you:

Wish to understand your options if you think that you may have encountered sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual violence
Learn of a situation that you feel may warrant an institutional investigation
Need help on how to handle a situation in which you are indirectly affected
Want information about possible informal remedies or administrative measures to de-escalate or alleviate a difficult situation, or
Have questions about George Fox University’s policies and procedures

Title IX Coordinator contact information

Conditional Immunity

The University wants to eliminate barriers for students who may be hesitant to seek medical or emergency help or report the incident to university officials because they fear being held accountable for policy violations (e.g., drinking alcoholic beverages). To encourage reporting, George Fox pursues a policy of offering students who are accessing help for themselves or others, conditional immunity from being charged with policy violations related to the particular incident. While there may be no community accountability sanctions for these individuals, the University may provide elements of help, support, and education.

Confidentiality

Conversations with Title IX Coordinators are kept as confidential as possible, but information about incidents of suspected sexual misconduct must be shared to the extent necessary to provide supportive measures, conduct an investigation, and implement any corrective measures deemed appropriate by the university. The complainant has choices and options in the process about if and/or how they would like to proceed.

Supportive Measures and Safety of the Community

Supportive measures are actions coordinated by the Title IX Coordinator that restore or preserve access to educational activities and programs. These measures are assessed on an individual basis and take into consideration the complainant’s needs and wishes. They are made available once a report has been made, regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed. The following are examples of the range of supportive measures available to a complainant:

Counseling services
Extension of deadlines (academic and on-campus employment)
Modification of work/class schedules
Campus Public Safety escort services
Mutual restriction of contact
Change in housing/work location
Leave of absence

Supportive measures implemented on behalf of the complainant must be non-punitive and cannot place an undue burden on the respondent. They also do not presume the responsibility of the respondent for the alleged conduct. However, emergency removals may be enacted if it is determined that there is an immediate threat to an individual’s or community’s safety.

Retaliation

Retaliation is prohibited by federal law and institutional policy. It is defined as any adverse or negative action against a person participating in any reporting, investigation or proceeding that is perceived as intimidating, threatening, coercing, hostile, harassing, retribution, or violence that occurred in connection to the making and follow-up of the report. This also includes actions against an individual who has:

Complained about alleged discrimination, harassment or retaliation
Participated as a party or witness in an investigation relating to such allegations, or
Participated as a party or witness in a court proceeding or administrative investigation relating to such allegations

Federal civil rights laws, including Title IX, make it unlawful to retaliate against an individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by these laws. Intimidation means to make fearful or to put into fear. Generally, proof of actual fear is not required in order to establish intimidation. It may be inferred from conduct, words, or circumstances reasonably calculated to produce fear.

Any person violating this policy may be subject to appropriate community accountability, up to and including termination if they are an employee, and suspension or dismissal if they are an undergraduate or graduate/Adult Degree Programs student.

Bystander Intervention

George Fox is deeply committed to the health, safety and well-being of its students. Bystander intervention by students can be a critical aspect of enhancing the welfare of his/her peers. Students are strongly encouraged to contact university personnel, call 911, or seek other professional or medical attention when the health or safety of themselves or others is threatened or appears to be at risk.