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Return to: Policies and Regulations
Introduction
Rush is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and promoting and maintaining an environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community. Rush strives to have an environment that is
free from unlawful Sexual Harassment. Rush complies with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, which prohibits Sexual Harassment that occurs within its education programs or
activities For purposes of this policy, Sexual Harassment includes Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment, Hostile Environment Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking.
Rush has a legal duty to prevent and redress Sexual Harassment that occurs within its education programs or activities, as well as a moral and ethical duty to do so. Indeed, such conduct is contrary to Rush’s values, represents professionally and socially irresponsible behavior; and can damage the trust, influence and reputation of Rush and the medical profession. Moreover, because Rush’s primary mission of furthering the public good relies on maintaining public trust and confidence, it is essential that every member of the Rush community share in the responsibility for meeting our community’s conduct expectations. It is equally important that members of our community appreciate the impact Sexual Harassment that occurs within Rush’s education programs or activities can have on our environment, and the
potential for severe consequences for such behavior
Policy Statement
Rush strictly prohibits all forms of Sexual Harassment against any member of the Rush community, including but not limited to students, house staff, members of the faculty, all employees, volunteers, guests and vendors (the “Rush
Community”).
Members of the Rush Community who commit Sexual Harassment are subject to the full range of discipline including verbal reprimand; written reprimand; mandatory training, or counseling; mandatory monitoring; partial or full probation; partial or full suspension; permanent separation from the institution (that is, termination or dismissal); physical restriction from Rush property; cancellation of contracts; and any combination of the same.
Rush will provide persons who have experienced Sexual Harassment ongoing remedies as reasonably necessary to restore or preserve access to the Rush’s Education Programs or Activities.
Reporting and Response Procedures
This policy, the Prohibition against Sexual Harassment in Rush Programs and Activities (hereinafter “this Policy” or “the Policy”), is administered by the Title IX Coordinator and the Office of Institutional Equity (hereinafter “Office of
Institutional Equity” or “OIE”). The Policy addresses Rush’s obligations under relevant provisions of the implementing regulations of Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (also known as the Campus SaVE Act), the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act, and other relevant laws. Rush values the fair, prompt and equitable inquiry into allegations that arise under this Policy. Sexual Harassment will not be tolerated.
It is central to the values of Rush that any member of the community who believes that they have witnessed or been the target of Sexual Harassment feel free to report their concerns for an appropriate response and investigation,
without fear of retaliation or retribution. Rush will respond to reports, Formal Complaints, or information about incidents of Sexual Harassment by stopping the prohibited conduct, taking steps to prevent the recurrence of
prohibited conduct, and addressing its effects on campus or in any Rush programs and activities regardless of location. Rush expects that all reports made under this Policy will be brought in good faith.
All reports and concerns about conduct that may violate this Policy (including retaliation for reports made pursuant this Policy) should be filed with Rush’s Title IX Coordinator or the Office of Institutional Equity: at Institutional_Equity@Rush.edu. Confidential reports can also be made through the Rush Hotline at (877) 787-4009 or via the Rush web reporting tool at rush.ethicspoint.com. Anonymous reporters do not need to identify themselves, but are asked to provide enough information to enable an investigation. Upon receipt of a complaint, the equal opportunity officer will evaluate the information received and determine what further actions should be taken. The policies can be found here.
Resources
For more information on the Rush policies against harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct, contact:
Title IX Coordinator
Nancee Hofheimer, JD
(312) 942-5239
Nancee_B_Hofheimer@rush.edu
Institutional_Equity@Rush.edu
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