Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment (Title IX) Policy

Bethel University is committed to maintaining a Christ-centered community free of sex discrimination in all of its forms, including sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and sexual violence.

Bethel prohibits sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and sex discrimination in all of its forms which includes sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. All community members must comply with Bethel’s policies on sexual misconduct and sexual harassment, whether on campus or off campus, when engaged in activities sponsored by Bethel, or otherwise related to Bethel or its business. Such activities include, but are not limited to classes, seminars, meetings, and other educational programs. In addition, visitors, volunteers, vendors, consultants, third parties, or any person that provides services to Bethel or may wish to associate with Bethel are required to comply with Bethel’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and Sexual Harassment (Title IX) Policy, where applicable.

All employees are required to report any instance of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment to Cara Wald, Vice President of People and Organizational Development Title IX Coordinator/Compliance Officer. The only persons exempt from the reporting requirements are confidential resource persons. Confidential resources are listed below and include licensed counselors in the Counseling Center, ordained/licensed ministers in Christian Formation and Church Relations, and registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and doctors in Health Services. Bethel will take prompt corrective action against any sexual misconduct or sexual harassment by or against its community members.

If you believe that you have been subjected to sexual misconduct or sexual harassment in any of its forms, it is not necessary for you to initially decide which policy may apply to you. It is only necessary that you tell someone so that you can get help and so that you can understand the resources and options available to you both at Bethel and outside of Bethel.

OHE Sexual Assault Policy and Report

In accordance with Minnesota’s Sexual Harassment and Violence Policy Statute, Minn. Stat. §135A.15, all postsecondary institutions are required to annually report statistics on sexual assault to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) as well as to their campus community. Data privacy laws require that data be suppressed and noted if the number of persons involved is fewer than 10 individuals. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education defines sexual assault as rape, fondling, and statutory rape. It is important to note that this Minnesota report uses different definitions than the federal Clery Act, so the data from the two reports may differ. The Office of Security and Safety has made these reports viewable on its website.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY AND PROCEDURES

TITLE IX POLICY AND PROCEDURES (SEXUAL HARASSMENT)

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT (TITLE IX) TRAINING

REPORTING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT OR SEXUAL HARASSMENT