Sexual Harassment Policies
At Rice, the following policies address sexual misconduct. Please find them below:
Sexual Misconduct Policy for Faculty, Staff, and Students - Policies - Rice University
This policy prohibits the following offenses: Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment (Title IX), Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking. Under federal Title IX regulations, Title IX does not apply to conduct that occurs outside the United States or that does not arise as part of the educational activities and programs of Rice University (however, such conduct may still violate and be adjudicated under other Rice University policies including Policy 830 or the Code of Student Conduct). For more on Policy 828, please go here: Sexual Misconduct Policy for Faculty, Staff and Students | Policies | Rice University.
Sexual or romantic relationships between individuals in inherently unequal positions have the potential for serious breaches of trust, may negatively impact the University environment when they are perceived to affect third parties, and have the potential for a conflict of interest, exploitation, favoritism, and an abuse of power. Sexual or romantic relationships between individuals in inherently unequal positions should generally be avoided and, in many circumstances, are strictly forbidden under this policy. Even in those situations where the relationships are not forbidden, the person in the position of greater authority or power must follow the requirements and processes set out in this policy to avoid any conflict of interest or disruption in the educational or workplace environment. Duty to disclose and disciplinary consequences for violations of this policy do not fall on the person in the position of lesser authority or power. For more on Policy 829, please go here: Consensual Sexual or Romantic Relationships in the Educational or Workplace Environment | Policies | Rice University.
Policy on Discrimination and Harassment - Policies - Rice University
Policy 830, addresses unwelcome conduct that is based on sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation, but that is not explicitly prohibited under Title IX. This includes any conduct that is severe or pervasive and is reasonably regarded as offensive and has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with the educational or work opportunities of students, staff, faculty or colleagues, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or working environment. For more on Policy 830, please go here: Policy on Discrimination and Harassment | Policies | Rice University.
As an academic community within a larger civil community, it is necessary for Rice University to articulate and enforce standards of behavior. These standards include a prohibition on acts of sexual misconduct but are not intended only to prohibit misbehavior and to punish violations but also to educate about behavior and character traits that the community wishes to promote or discourage; to protect community members from harm or unwarranted interference; to hold individuals and groups responsible for their actions and the consequences of their behavior; and to cultivate an environment conducive to our community’s educational purpose. In short, Rice expects its students to behave—at all times—reasonably, respectfully and responsibly. For more on the Code of Student Conduct, please go here: Code of Student Conduct |Student Judicial Programs | RiceUniversity.