The CSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking and Retaliation (Nondiscrimination Policy) is the CSU policy that incorporates the University's compliance with Title IX and California state law. The Nondiscrimination Policy includes, but is not limited to, the prohibition of discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation.
Within this policy there are two sets of procedures and three tracks for handling formal complaints that fall within the scope of the Nondiscrimination Policy.
The two procedures are determined by the status of the respondent and are as follows:
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Procedures for Complaints of Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Retaliation Made Against a Student
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Procedures for Complaints of Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Retaliation Made Against an Employee or Third-Party
The three tracks are determined by the alleged facts and are as follows:
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The federally mandated hearing process
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The state mandated hearing process
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The non-hearing process
The procedures set forth in the Nondiscrimination Policy are administrative in nature and are separate and distinct from the criminal and civil legal systems. Pursuing resolution through these procedures does not preclude someone from pursuing legal action now or in the future (noting that statute of limitations may exist for both civil and criminal causes of action). The University's administrative procedures and the legal system work independently from one another. An individual who reports conduct that may constitute a policy violation and/or a crime may opt to pursue none, one, or some combination of the following processes: the University's administrative process, making a criminal complaint, and/or making a civil complaint.
California Criminal Definitions
As noted above, some of the behaviors prohibited in the CSU Nondiscrimination Policy may also constitute crimes. Sexual exploitation, dating and domestic violence, stalking and varying degrees of sexual assault are all crimes.
The link to the document below outlines the criminal definitions for these offenses as they are written in the California Penal Code and reflected in California state law. Again, these definitions may be applicable in a criminal process and are separate and distinct from the CSU Nondiscrimination Policy.
- California Criminal Definitions for Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking
Please contact the
Title IX Coordinator on your campus with any questions you may have about any of the information on this website.