Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation

Texas Christian University (TCU) is committed to providing a positive learning, living and working environment free from discrimination and harassment. In support of this commitment, in this policy TCU prohibits a range of behaviors, including unlawful discrimination, harassment, and related sexual and other misconduct based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, predisposing genetic information,
covered veteran status, and any other basis protected by law, except as permitted by law. TCU also prohibits retaliation against an individual for making a good faith report under this policy, for participating in proceedings under this policy, or for opposing in a reasonable manner conduct believed to be prohibited by this policy.

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Sexual misconduct includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, gender-based stalking, and gender-based relationship violence.

Although sexual misconduct often includes unwanted or nonconsensual sexual contact, sexual contact is not necessary for an act to be considered sexual misconduct. Sexual harassment and/or sexual misconduct directed toward a student by another student, a TCU employee or a third party is prohibited by Title IX and by TCU.

What is Consent?

Consent to sexual activity is defined as a knowing and voluntary agreement between the participants to engage in sexual activity.

  • Consent cannot be given by a person who is asleep or physically or mentally incapacitated by alcohol, drug or other intoxicant.
  • Consent cannot be compelled by force, threat of force, intimidation or deception.
  • Consent cannot be given if it is coerced by supervisory or disciplinary authority.
  • Consent to some sexual acts does not imply consent to others, and past consent to sexual activity does not imply future consent.
  • Consent is informed and voluntary and can be revoked at any time and for any reason.

How to Report Sexual Misconduct

The University strongly urges that incidents of sexual misconduct be reported to the TCU Police Department, the Office of Institutional Equity,  the Dean of Students Office, or a Title IX Officer. Each of these departments or individuals can assist the student in obtaining physical, mental, and emotional assistance. TCU also has a confidential advocate available to students in the Campus Advocacy Resources & Education office.

If the alleged assailant is a TCU student, the victim may pursue criminal charges against the alleged assailant and seek also resolution within the Responding to Reports of Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Relations (Policy 1.009) facilitated by the Office of Institutional Equity which enforces the Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation Policy (Policy 1.008).  TCU prohibits retaliation for making a complaint of sexual misconduct.