Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) (the “University”) is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work, and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, University System of Georgia (“USG”) policy, and University policy, GSW prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status by any member of the GSW Community (as defined below) on campus, in connection with a university program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for any member of the University Community. Incidents of harassment and discrimination will be met with appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or expulsion from the University.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (“protected status”). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual’s protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual’s protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

The University follows the USG Sexual Misconduct Policy 6.7 found at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2655 and the USG Policy to Prohibit Discrimination & Harassment found at: https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2654. This Policy incorporates by reference the applicable sections of the USG Sexual Misconduct Policy and the USG Policy to Prohibit Discrimination & Harassment. All allegations of discrimination and harassment based on the protected categories other than Sexual Misconduct alleged against a student Respondent(s) will be covered by this Policy together with the USG Sexual Misconduct Policy and the USG Policy to Prohibit Discrimination & Harassment.

Every member of the University Community is expected to uphold this Policy as a matter of mutual respect and fundamental fairness in human relations. Every student of this institution has a responsibility to conduct themselves in accordance with this Policy as a condition of enrollment, and every University employee has an obligation to observe University policies as a term of employment.

Nothing in this Policy prevents a University Community member from filing a complaint with a state or federal agency or court.

Updated 7/17/2025