Covenant College’s Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Covenant College is currently operating under an injunction issued by the Kansas District Court as well as the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals prohibiting the adoption of the 2024 Title IX Regulations. The College will continue to comply with the 2020 Title IX Regulations until further notice.

Introduction

The mission of Covenant College is to explore and express the preeminence of Jesus Christ in all things. We strive to educate Christians to engage culture and cultures, to examine and unfold creation, and to pursue biblical justice and mercy in community. We hold strongly to the beliefs that humans are created in the image of God, and therefore should be treated with the utmost honor, dignity, and respect.

Therefore, it is the position of the College that sexual misconduct transgresses holy law and, in addition, is a form of illegal discrimination that is abhorrent to the College. Consequently, it is the obligation of each member of the Covenant College community—administrators, faculty, staff, and students – to adhere to this policy. 

The College has enacted this Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy (the “Policy”) to reflect and maintain its institutional values and community expectations, to provide for fair and equitable procedures for determining when this Policy has been violated, and to provide recourse for individuals and the campus community in response to violations of this Policy.

Statement of Policy 

Covenant College is committed to creating and maintaining a learning and working environment that is free from unlawful discrimination based on sex in accordance with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities; Title VII of the Civil Rights act of 1964 (Title VII), which prohibits sex discrimination in employment; and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act, Clery Act, and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Sexual Harassment and Retaliation under this Policy will not be tolerated by Covenant College and is grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including, permanent dismissal from Covenant College and/or termination of employment.

Purpose

Covenant College takes all reported sexual misconduct and harassment seriously. Covenant College will promptly discipline any individuals within its control who are found responsible for violating this Policy.  Additionally, reported sexual misconduct, harassment, and retaliation that does not meet the definitions and jurisdiction of this policy will be referred for review under the Student Code of Conduct and Employee Handbook in compliance with VAWA and Clery Act.

For discrimination that does not meet the definition of Sexual Harassment please see our Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct Policy.