Download the Student Handbook - Covenant Theological Seminary

words, attitudes and thoughts (e.g., pornography); 1 therefore, sexual harassment is sin, and one which isviewed in society as discrimination prohibited by federal law. 2Sexual misconduct and sexual harassment violate the life of the community. Further, when they involveor become known to those outside the Seminary, they dishonor the name of Christ and of the Seminary;therefore, these sins will be viewed as serious offenses which will be subject to appropriate disciplinaryand other measures.Sexual misconduct or harassment allegations will be treated as any other allegation of seriousmisconduct. Complaints will be investigated immediately and thoroughly. If it is determined that sexualmisconduct or harassment has occurred, prompt and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, up toand including termination (of an employee) and/or expulsion (of a student). The Seminary will notretaliate or permit retaliation (including termination of employment) for bringing an allegation of sexualharassment or misconduct in good faith (i.e., not frivolously, maliciously, or with vengeful intent).Definitions. Sexual misconduct includes any violation of scriptural standards for sexual conduct andfaithfulness to one’s spouse (if married). Examples include, but are not limited to:1. Intimate sexual activity with and/or deep emotional attachment to a person other than one’slegitimate spouse.2. Intimate sexual activity by unmarried persons.3. Sexual abuse of children.4. Unbiblical separation or divorce and/or remarriage.5. Collection, viewing or use of pornography.6. Homosexual sexual activity.7. Sexual harassment.Sexual misconduct is treated as other misconduct under the faculty, staff and student manuals.Sexual harassment includes any form of unwelcome or nonconsensual sexual advance, request for sexualfavors or other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature, when: 1) submission to such conduct is1Specific scriptural references are available on request. The Seminary’s understanding of Scripture on these matters issummarized in the doctrinal standards to which it and its parent denomination (the Presbyterian Church in America) subscribe,the Westminster Confession of Faith (XXIV), the Larger Catechism (questions 137–139), and the Shorter Catechism (questions70–72).2E.g., Title VII, Civil Rights Act (1964); Title IX, Education Amendments (1972); Civil Rights Act (1991).[66]