Sexual Misconduct Policy, Section I: Institutional Values and Community Expectations

Lewis & Clark College is committed to providing a non-discriminatory and harassment-free educational, living and working environment for all members of the Lewis & Clark community, including students, faculty, administrators, staff, and visitors. The College prohibits all forms of sexual or gender-based harassment, discrimination or violence. Misconduct of this nature is contrary to Lewis & Clark’s institutional values and is prohibited by state and federal law. Sexual or gender-based violence includes non-consensual sexual contact, non-consensual sexual penetration, sexual exploitation, and intimate partner violence.

Lewis & Clark encourages the prompt reporting of any incident of sexual or gender-based misconduct to the College and to local law enforcement or civil rights enforcement agencies. Upon learning of a report, the College will take prompt and effective action by: providing interim measures and support for individuals who seek assistance under this policy (referred to as the “Reporting Party”); addressing the safety of individuals and the campus community; and as warranted, pursuing resolution through informal measures or formal disciplinary action against the accused individual (referred to in this policy as the “Respondent”).

Amnesty for Alcohol or Other Drug Use

The college community encourages the reporting of prohibited conduct under this policy. It is in the best interest of this community that as many Reporting Parties as possible choose to report to college officials, and that witnesses come forward to share what they know. To encourage reporting, an individual who reports sexual harassment or other forms of prohibited conduct, either as a Reporting Party or a third- party, will not be subject to disciplinary action by the College for their own personal consumption of alcohol or drugs at or near the time of the incident, provided that any such violations did not and do not place the health or safety of any other person at risk. The College may, however, initiate an educational discussion or pursue other educational remedies regarding alcohol or other drugs.

Retaliation

Retaliation should be reported promptly to the Title IX Coordinator, and a finding of responsibility for retaliation may result in disciplinary action independent of any sanction or interim measures imposed in response to the underlying allegations of sexual or gender-based misconduct. Retaliation includes any action or threat of action designed to dissuade a person from reporting misconduct or participating truthfully in an investigation.

Prosocial action encouraged

The College encourages all members of our community to engage in creating a safe, welcoming and respectful environment on campus. In particular, the College expects that all Lewis & Clark community members will take reasonable and prudent action to prevent or stop an act of sexual misconduct. Taking action may include direct intervention when safe to do so, enlisting the assistance of friends, contacting law enforcement, or seeking assistance from a person in authority. Community members who chose to exercise this positive moral obligation will be supported by the College and protected from retaliation.