Harassment of the Disabled

Southern Wesleyan University endeavors to create an environment in which all members of the community are treated with the dignity and respect inherent in their position as creatures made in the image of God. Not only is disability harassment a violation of federal law, but it is also contrary to principles of Christian conduct. Consequently, it is the policy of Southern Wesleyan University that harassment of individuals with disabilities is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated.

Any form of harassment is absolutely prohibited. Disability harassment is intimidation or abusive behavior toward a student based on disability that creates a hostile environment by interfering with or denying a student’s participation in or receipt of benefits, services, or opportunities in the institution’s programs. Harassing conduct may take many forms, including verbal acts and name-calling as well as nonverbal behavior such as graphic and written statements or conduct that is physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating.

All complaints need to be registered in writing, signed, and agreed to by the complainant. Complaints of disabilities harassment will be addressed promptly.

A student with a complaint should inform the Student Success Coordinator. After securing from the student a written request for investigation, the Student Success Coordinator will forward the complaint to the investigator. The chart below explains the hierarchy of responsibility for investigating complaints.

Complaint Against	Submit To	Investigator
Faculty member	University Provost	School Chair of the faculty’s department
Staff member	Vice President of the department	Director or Vice President of the department
Another student	Vice President of Student Life	Vice President of Student Life or designee

The investigation will be initiated within 10 working days of the receipt of the written request.

If the investigation process is not initiated within 10 working days or if the student disagrees with the outcome of the investigation, the student may appeal to the Committee for Students with Disabilities. The appeal must be in writing and must be made within 48 hours of the student being notified of the initial outcome of the investigation. The Committee for Students with Disabilities will review the investigation of the complaint and outcome and make a determination within 10 working days of the receipt of the written appeal.

Upon notification of the decision of the Committee for Students with Disabilities, the student may ask for consideration by the University Provost. The decision of the Provost is final.