HSP - Gender - Based - Misconduct - Policy

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HSP - Gender - Based - Misconduct - Policy

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Columbia University Programs for High School Students

Discrimination, Harassment or Gender Based Misconduct

Columbia University is committed to fostering an environment that is free from gender-based discrimination and
harassment, including sexual assault and all other forms of gender-based misconduct. The University recognizes its
responsibility to increase awareness of such misconduct, prevent its occurrence, diligently investigate reports of
misconduct, support students and others who experience gender-based misconduct, and respond fairly and firmly when
students violate University policy. The University is also committed to supporting students accused of gender-based
misconduct who go through the disciplinary process. In addressing issues of gender-based misconduct, all members of
the University must respect and care for one another in a manner consistent with our deeply held academic and
community values.

Here are several important points about gender-based misconduct that the Policy addresses:

• Sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, gender-based harassment, stalking, domestic violence,
and dating violence are all forms of gender-based misconduct. In some instances, behavior that is not sexual in
nature (including comments meant in jest) can be considered gender-based misconduct.
• Gender-based misconduct can occur between strangers or acquaintances, or people who know each other well,
including between people involved in an intimate or sexual relationship.
• Gender-based misconduct can be committed by anyone regardless of gender identity, and it can occur between
people of the same or different sex or gender.

Students who believe they have been subjected to gender-based discrimination or harassment are encouraged to report
these incidents and should immediately call the Program Office or report it to the Director of Student Affairs, High School
& Non-Degree Programs. Program staff and all University employees are obligated to report any event of misconduct,
harassment or discrimination of which they become aware.

Once the Program receives a report of gender-based misconduct, the information will be provided to Columbia University
Public Safety and Student Conduct and Community Standards. The Gender-Based Misconduct Office within Student
Conduct and Community Standards (“the Office”) serves as the central point of contact for all University students affected
by gender-based misconduct. After receiving a report, the Office will contact each party to discuss relevant options for
resolution. The Office will make the final determination regarding the appropriate resolution process and can require an
investigation even if the parties request to engage in a different resolution process. The Office also has the authority to
take immediate and corrective action to address all alleged misconduct and any additional alleged Policy violations that
have occurred. The Office, in consultation with the appropriate Title IX Coordinator(s), will determine if action is
appropriate. If selected by the students and/or if the Office deems necessary, an investigation will be initiated. The Office
will designate a two-person team (“the Investigative Team”) to conduct an investigation into whether a violation of the
Policy occurred. All Title IX Investigators will have extensive training in investigating and evaluating conduct prohibited
under the Policy. The Investigative Team will be impartial and unbiased. Moreover, due to the short duration of the
Programs, the investigation may be appropriately expedited.

When a student is found responsible a sanction will be imposed. Sanctions will be fair and appropriate, given the facts of
a particular case; consistent with the University’s handling of similar cases; adequate to protect the safety of the campus
community; and reflective of the seriousness of gender-based misconduct. Sanctions may include dismissal from the
Program. In some cases, the New York State Child Abuse and Maltreatment Hotline may be contacted; which may lead to
the local police being notified.