1.2 Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy

Illinois State University fosters a campus environment that recognizes individual and cultural differences and is strongly committed to the ethical and legal principle that each member of the University community enjoys the constitutional right to free speech. The right of free expression and the open exchange of ideas stimulates debate, promotes creativity, and is essential to a rich learning environment.

As members of the University community, students, faculty, administrators, and staff have a responsibility to respect others and show tolerance for opinions that differ from their own. The value of free expression, however, may be undermined by certain acts of harassment and discrimination that may result in the deterioration of a quality learning, work, or campus community environment and therefore will not be tolerated.

Any act of harassment and/or discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, pregnancy, sexual orientation, order of protection, gender identity and expression, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, unfavorable military discharge, status as a veteran, or sex (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking) is a violation of this policy and the law and will not be tolerated.

Retaliation against any person making an allegation of harassment, discrimination, or exercising his or her legal right to have the allegation investigated is also prohibited. Allegations of retaliation initiated by an individual participating in the complaint investigation process will be investigated as a separate and distinct violation of this policy.

Retaliation against any person making an allegation of harassment, discrimination, or exercising his or her legal right to have the allegation investigated is also prohibited. Allegations of retaliation initiated by an individual participating in the complaint investigation process will be investigated as a separate and distinct violation of this policy.

Please note nothing in this policy prohibits an instructor, in the context of conducting his/her professional responsibility, from engaging in the appropriate admonition or correction of a student in the interest of maintaining order, upholding standards, stimulating thought or promoting competence. Except as otherwise prohibited by law, such action is, by definition, not a violation of this policy. Likewise, nothing in this policy precludes the University's inherent authority to plan, direct, and evaluate the activities of University personnel in accordance with sound management principles and directives, including communicating to, training of, and disciplining employees.

A violation of the Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion for students and termination of employment for employees.