VSC Policy 311: Non-discrimination and Prevention of Harassment and Related Unprofessional Conduct

The Vermont State Colleges ("VSC") and each member college, including Northern Vermont University-Johnson (NVU-J), do not engage in unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, marital status or any other status protected by law. Sexual harassment, racial harassment, and harassment of persons based upon other protected categories are forms of discrimination and will not be tolerated. Also, inappropriate sexual relationships between staff and students, although they may not rise to the level of sexual harassment, are prohibited. Further, the VSC and each member College, in accordance with Vermont law, does not discriminate against any person on the basis of the person having a positive HIV-related blood test.

Sexual misconduct, which includes sexual harassment and sexual violence (rape, sexual assault), is a form of sex discrimination and therefore is a violation of VSC Policy 311, the NVU-J Code of Conduct, and the federal Title IX law (see below).

VSC Policy 311 can be found in its entirety at: https://www.vsc.edu/board-of-trustees/policies-procedures/student-affairs-policies/.

The NVU-J Code of Conduct and Sexual Assault policy can be found in the NVU-J Student Handbook of Rights and Responsibilities at www.jsc.edu/Academics/StudentHandbook.

NVU-J does not discriminate on the basis of the above protected categorizations in application processes for admissions or employment, in academic and residential programs, in employment practices and policies, in scholarship and loan programs, in athletic programs, and any other programs or facilities. NVU-J is an equal opportunity employer.

To initiate a discrimination or harassment complaint, formally or informally, or for further information, contact the campus Policy 311 Coordinator: Michele Whitmore, Associate Dean of Students, 802-635-1200, Michele.Whitmore@NorthernVermont.edu. Contact the NVU-J Learning Specialist, Academic Support Services, at 802-635-1264, if accommodations are needed to apply for admission; and the Dean of Administration, at 802-635-1208, if accommodations are needed for employment.

Title IX

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on gender in any educational program or activity. The law states that "no person in the United States shall on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." The amendment in 1987 expanded the definition of program or activity to include all the operations of an educational institution, governmental entity or private employer that receive federal funds.

Sexual misconduct is a form of sex discrimination. Sexual misconduct includes sexual violence (rape, sexual assault) and sexual harassment. Sexual misconduct is a violation of the Northern Vermont University-Johnson Code of Conduct, VSC Policy 311, and federal (Title IX) and state law. It may also constitute criminal conduct under state law. The College is committed to taking action against those who violate these policies and to assisting victims, regardless of whether the conduct occurs on or off campus. A sexual misconduct violation can result in consequences up to and including criminal charges and expulsion from the College. To access VSC Policy 311 and the NVU-J Student Handbook of Rights and Responsibilities (Student Code of Conduct and sexual assault policy), see the links above.

Johnson Title IX Campus Coordinator 

Michele Whitmore
Associate Dean of Students / Title IX Coordinator / Policy 311 Coordinator
Phone: 802.635.1200
Email: Michele.Whitmore@NorthernVermont.edu