The following paragraphs replace the “University Statement on Sexual Harassment” (found on pages 42-3 of the 2001 Faculty Handbook) and the policy statement on discrimination (found on page 47 of the 2001 Faculty Handbook.)

Members of the faculty are responsible for adhering to these policies and for reporting possible violations of which they are aware.

All reports describing conduct that is inconsistent with these policies will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Complaints about violations of these policies will be handled confidentially, with facts made available only to those who need to know to investigate and resolve the matter. The University prohibits retaliation against anyone for registering a complaint pursuant to these policies, assisting another in making a complaint, or participating in an investigation under the policies. If a complaint of discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment is found to be substantiated, appropriate corrective action will follow, up to and including separation of the offending party from the University, consistent with University procedure.

The brochure “What You Should Know about Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Harassment” is distributed to all members of the Northwestern community and is available from the University Sexual Harassment Prevention Office, the Office of the Provost, the Equal Employment Opportunity Office, the Women's Center, the Department of Human Resources, and the web site of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Office. The brochure is also available at: www.northwestern.edu/sexual/harassment.

POLICY ON DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT

Northwestern University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates.

Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that is based on any of these characteristics is a form of discrimination. This includes harassing conduct affecting tangible job benefits, interfering unreasonably with an individual's academic or work performance, or creating what a reasonable person would sense is an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

While Northwestern University is committed to the principles of free inquiry and free expression, discrimination and harassment identified in this policy are neither legally protected expression nor the proper exercise of academic freedom.

POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT

It is the policy of Northwestern University that no male or female member of the Northwestern community — students, faculty, administrators, or staff — may sexually harass any other member of the community. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute harassment when any of the following occurs:

• Submission to such conduct is made or threatened to be 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 or threatened to be used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting that individual.

• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's academic or professional performance or creating what a reasonable person would sense is an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment, educational, or living environment.