Dear Members of the Lehigh Community:
Lehigh University is committed to an inclusive culture where all members of our community are treated with respect and dignity. We confront and reject harassment and discrimination in all forms and take efforts to prevent harassment and discrimination within our campus community.
You may recall that in May 2020, you were informed that the U.S. Department of Education released new Title IX regulations that impact the manner in which schools, universities, and colleges across the country address sex-based discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct at our institutions. The regulations required that the University review and revise its policies and processes addressing sex-based discrimination, harassment and misconduct by August 14, 2020.
Since that time, I have been working with a committee of individuals representing faculty, staff, and students, to review the regulations and revise the policies to ensure compliance with the new Title IX regulations. This committee has also consulted with the Faculty Senate, Employee Relations Advisory Committee (ERAC), and the student senates. We are committed to continuing to review and revise the Policy on Harassment and Non-Discrimination and will continue to seek input from numerous sources, including those previously consulted, other organizations and committees, and the broader campus community.
Please look for more information throughout the fall semester regarding ways in which you can provide feedback and participate in the review of the revised Policy.
Effective August 14, 2020, Lehigh University's Board of Trustees approved the University's revised Policy on Harassment and Non-Discrimination. The revised Policy on Harassment and Non-Discrimination may be accessed at lehigh.edu/go/harassmentpolicy. More information about the Policy on Harassment and Non-Discrimination, including reporting and resources on sexual harassment (including sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence), harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other prohibited conduct is located at eocc.lehigh.edu.
The campus community can expect additional training and education on the specific details of the revised Policy during the coming weeks, in addition to the trainings and programs that have already taken place. If you'd like to schedule a training or program on the revised Policy on Harassment and Non-Discrimination, please complete the request form: lehigh.edu/go/EOCCtraining
If you have any questions about the Policy, please contact Karen A. Salvemini, Equal Opportunity Compliance Coordinator & Title IX Coordinator, at eocc@lehigh.edu.
Thank you,
Karen A. Salvemini
Equal Opportunity Compliance Coordinator & Title IX Coordinator