Student Support and Services
Sexual Misconduct Policy (sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking)
Title IX and Anti-Discrimination Reports and Services
The University of Houston-Victoria (UHV) is committed to providing a professional working and learning environment free from sexual discrimination of any kind.
Sexual misconduct is a form of sex discrimination and will not be tolerated in any form by the University. Complaints and allegations of sexual misconduct will be taken seriously. The University will take appropriate action in an effort to eliminate Sexual Misconduct from happening, prevent its recurrence and address its effects.
“Sexual misconduct” is a broad term encompassing a range of non-consensual sexual activity or unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature. The term includes sexual assault, non-consensual sexual contact, dating violence or domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, sexual intimidation and sexual harassment. Sexual misconduct can be committed by men or women, strangers or acquaintances, and can occur between people of the same or opposite sex. This Policy applies regardless of the complainant’s or the respondent’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identify or gender expression. The policy protects students, faculty, staff and visitors. The University will work to ensure that all persons are given appropriate support and fair treatment.
All members of the University are expected to adhere to the UH System Sexual Misconduct Policy, to cooperate with the UH System procedures for responding to complaints of sexual misconduct and to report conduct or behavior that they believe to be in violation of this Policy. The University is committed to the elimination of sexual misconduct through education, prevention and awareness campaigns, appropriate training for staff, faculty and students and serious consequences for violations of its policies.
Consistent with its commitment to addressing sex discrimination and harassment, the University complies with the Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits sex discrimination in employment and Section 304 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, also known as the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (Save Act). The University also complies with applicable state law, including Texas Education Code §51.259 and §51.295.
The University is committed to the elimination of Sexual Misconduct through education, prevention and awareness campaigns, appropriate training for staff, faculty and students and serious consequences for violations of its policies.
Appropriate actions will be taken to prevent Sexual Misconduct from happening and prevent recurrence. Inquiries concerning the application of this policy should be referred to the Campus Title IX Coordinator. During any investigation into these matters, the University will work to ensure that all persons are given appropriate support and fair treatment. However, prohibited actions defined in this policy may also constitute a criminal violation. Anyone who reports Sexual Misconduct will be notified of their right to speak to law enforcement and file a report for possible criminal prosecution.
Procedures
The recourse for responding to complaints of Sexual Misconduct is set forth in UHS Administrative Policy 01.D.08, Sexual Misconduct which describes prohibited sexual conduct and establishes the procedural mechanism for providing the prompt, fair and impartial investigation and resolution of complaints.
UHV Title IX Coordinator: All employees, students, and third parties are strongly encouraged to immediately report any incidents alleged sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator.
The University has designated a Title IX Coordinator to coordinate efforts to comply with and implement this policy. The campus Title IX Coordinator is responsible for conducting the administrative investigation of reports of Sexual Misconduct and will be available to discuss options, provide support, explain University policies and procedures and provide education on relevant issues.
Betty Ramirez, Interim Director for Equal Access, UHV Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, 3007 N. Ben Wilson St., University West 116, Victoria, Texas 77901, (361) 570-4880, RamirezBL1@uhv.edu.
Note: Please refer to the UHV Anti-Discrimination for procedural recourse for responding to unlawful discrimination and harassment incidents that do not constitute sexual misconduct.
Anonymous Reporting: Alleged victims and others not required to report may also submit a report to:
UHV Title IX Office through an online report form.
UH System for further review through the Fraud & Non-Compliance Hotline, which allows the option of anonymity. Reports received through this site will be reviewed and investigated. If you would prefer to speak to someone confidentially or need assistance, you may call the hotline directly: (866) 843-4379. The University will work with anyone who is identified via a Fraud & Non-Compliance Hotline report or subsequent investigation to provide confidentiality to the full extent possible under this policy.
Campus Police and Security Department: Anyone wishing to file a report with the Campus Police and Security department may contact (361) 570-HELP (4357) or visit Campus Police and Security Department.
References
Sexual Misconduct: UHS Policy 01-D-08, Sexual Misconduct Policy
Anti-Discrimination: UHS Policy 01-D-07, Anti-Discrimination Policy