Introduction to Belmont Abbey College Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures
If you or someone you know may have been a victim of sexual assault or any other type of sexual misconduct prohibited under this policy, you are strongly encouraged to consult Exhibit A of this policy and to seek immediate assistance from one or more of the sources listed there.
ARTICLE I. INTRODUCTION
(a) Notice of Nondiscrimination.
As a recipient of federal funds, Belmont Abbey College is required to comply with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. (“Title IX”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities, admission and employment. Under certain circumstances, Sexual Misconduct (as defined below) constitutes sexual discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to Belmont Abbey College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Belmont Abbey College’s Title IX Coordinator is Mr. Roderick Golding, 704-461-6713 roderickgolding@bac.edu.
(b) Overview of This Policy.
Belmont Abbey College (“Belmont Abbey” or the “College”) is a Catholic, Benedictine learning community committed to developing each member of the college community in mind, faith, and character for a life of meaningful work and service. Our identity as a Catholic, Benedictine institution is central to all we do and teach at Belmont Abbey College.
Belmont Abbey is owned by and affiliated with the Southern Benedictine Society of North Carolina, Inc. whose Members are Benedictine Monks. The Monks founded the college on the basis of, and as an expression of, their Catholic faith. The Monks and the College itself, believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God and thus has authority for all Christian life. On the basis of the Catholic faith, the Monks and the College also believe that the Church was founded by Jesus Christ and given authority by him authentically to interpret the Word of God and to teach with binding authority on questions of faith and morals. This authoritative teaching includes teaching about human sexuality and provides norms for morally acceptable behavior.
We affirm the dignity of all human beings and distinguish the inalienable dignity of each person from the behavioral choices a person makes. We believe that, as Catholics, we are called to treat all people with charity and respect, including those whose beliefs and behaviors differ from the teachings of the Catholic Church. We are not able, however, in good conscience to support or affirm choices and behaviors that conflict with our identity as a Catholic, Benedictine institution. We will make institutional decisions in light of this policy regarding housing, student admission and retention, appropriate conduct, employment, hiring and retention, and other matters.
The College is committed to maintaining and strengthening an environment founded on civility and respect. The College also is committed to providing programs, activities and an educational environment free from sex discrimination. The College is committed to fostering a community that promotes prompt reporting of all types of Sexual Misconduct and timely and fair resolution of reports of Sexual Misconduct, and in furtherance of that commitment, this Policy sets forth available resources (Exhibit A), describes prohibited conduct (Article II), and establishes procedures for responding to reports of Sexual Misconduct (Articles III-VI).
The College will make this Policy and information about recognizing and preventing Sexual Misconduct readily available to all Students and other members of the College community.
Other Available Resources
Title IX Coordinator: 704-461-6713
HR: 704 461-6714
Residence Life Office: 704 461-7371
Confidential
Director of Counseling: 704 461-5081
Can be reached 24/7
Residence Life Duty Phone: 704-915-7799
Campus Police: 704-461-6700
AVID (Assault and Victimization Intervention and Deterrence): 704-864-0060
