Franklin University Switzerland encourages a diverse student body and workforce and is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. Consistent with this commitment and with Swiss, U.S., and other applicable laws, it is the policy of Franklin University Switzerland not to tolerate any kind of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment misconduct. The university provides mechanisms for seeking redress for those who feel they are victims of any kind of discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment.
Consistent with Title IX of the U.S. Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination in education and interprets sex discrimination as including sexual harassment and sexual violence, Franklin University Switzerland maintains an Equity/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of the President. The office is supported by a network of faculty and staff members, including an Advisory Council, Title IX Deputies, and qualified Panel Members for formal investigations.
You also have the right to raise concerns to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, which oversees compliance with Title IX.
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law that mandates gender equality in education. Under Title IX, no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
DEFINITIONS
Discrimination
Discrimination occurs when an individual or a group is treated less favorably on the basis of sex, including but not limited to exclusion from participation in, denial of the benefits of, or subjection to unequal treatment in educational programs or activities.
Harassment
Unwanted conduct or speech violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment that interferes with a person’s learning, work, or social well-being. Such actions may include, but are not limited to:
- Humiliation, ridicule or belittlement
- Intimidation of either a verbal, written or visual nature including inappropriate use of social media, email or any other form of virtual communication (cyber bullying)
- Spreading of malicious rumors
- Excessive supervision or total lack of support
- Interfering in the person’s ability to perform his/her work
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
- Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or education.
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting that individual.
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic or work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or working environment.
Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct includes a range of behaviors such as sexual assault, non-consensual sexual contact, and any other forms of sexual violence.
Reporting
Franklin University Switzerland encourages anyone who has experienced or witnessed sex-based discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct to report the incident. The university is committed to addressing these reports with care and confidentiality.
How to Report
Reports can be made through the following channels:
- Email: titleixcoordinator@fus.edu