Nondiscrimination Policy

Details of the Nondiscrimination Policy

Wheaton College serves Jesus Christ and seeks to enroll and hire individuals who have decided to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and live according to biblical standards. The goal of campus life at Wheaton College is to live, work, serve, and worship together as an educational community centered around the Lord Jesus Christ. Our mission as an academic community is not merely the transmission of information; it is the education of whole persons who will build the church and benefit society worldwide “For Christ and His Kingdom.” Along with the privileges and blessings of membership in such a community come responsibilities. The members of the Wheaton College campus community have consented to the responsibilities articulated in the Wheaton College Community Covenant and elsewhere in College policies.

Although many interpersonal conflicts and some forms of misconduct can be resolved without recourse to a formal process and addressed by following the spirit and guidance found in Matthew 18:15-20, the forms of harassment and discrimination governed by this policy may be legal matters for which both the government and the College may require a formal process. This Policy describes the prohibition of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct of any kind and has been developed to honor biblical principles, comply with federal and state law, and follow best practices for campus safety.

It is therefore the policy of Wheaton College to prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment against any member of its community based on the individual's race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and hairstyles), color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital status, disability, age, military status, pregnancy (and pregnancy-related conditions), or any other consideration made unlawful by relevant law, in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or in any aspect of the educational programs or activities of the College. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination, which are prohibited under Title IX and by Wheaton College policy. Wheaton College also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internal or external to the institution. As a Christ-centered institution, Wheaton College retains the right to make employment, admission, and educational decisions based on an individual’s religious beliefs and conduct consistent with the Wheaton College Statement of Faith, Community Covenant, and other College policies.

Any member of the campus community, guest, or visitor who acts to deny, deprive, or limit the educational, employment, residential, or social access, opportunities and/or benefits of any member of Wheaton College community on the basis of the classes outlined above is in violation of this Policy.

The College requires employees and strongly encourages individuals, including third-party bystanders, to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinators/Discrimination Complaint Officers. Specific procedures for reporting and complaint resolution are found in the following:

  • Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy;
  • Equity Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedures; and
  • Child Abuse and Neglect Mandatory Reporting Policy.

Further information on how to report violations of this Policy can be found in the above policies and procedures or on this website.

Last updated: 2022-09-06