Purpose
The University recognizes the complexities inherent in relationships between Senior and Junior Members of the University Community. Relationships between Student-Athletes and coaches or other Athletics Department Staff Members are unique in part because of their high level of interaction and the diverse settings in which they interact (e.g., on the field; in locker rooms, training rooms, or weight rooms; or during travel, team meetings, or player one-on-ones) and for this reason it is appropriate to have a policy in Athletics that establishes a stricter standard than in other parts of the University.
The NCAA recommends that universities prohibit sexual, romantic or dating relationships between student-athletes and coaches, or other athletics department staff members with supervisory authority over student athletes, in order to avoid the conflicts of interest and coercion that are inherent in such relationships. Even where such relationships may be welcomed or consented to by a student-athlete, the power disparity between staff members and student-athletes, the perceptions of other students, and the potential for actual or apparent conflicts of interest caused by these relationships, make such relationships problematic.
The University takes great care to provide an environment free from harassment, coercion, and intimidation for all students. In order to further such an environment and avoid the conflicts of interest, power dynamic, perceptions, and coercion described above that could arise from a sexual, romantic or dating relationship between a Student-Athlete and Athletics Department Staff Member, and consistent with NCAA guidance, the Athletics Department has established the policy set forth below. This policy supplements the University Policy on Consensual Sexual Relationships and establishes a stricter standard for Athletics Department Staff Members.
Definitions
Athletics Department Staff Member: Any and all University employees, independent contractors, and non-undergraduate student volunteers and interns serving in the Athletics Department by appointment. This includes, but is not limited to, coaches, management, administrative staff, and support staff who provide services to student athletes.
Student-Athlete: Any student of the University who is a member of a varsity athletics team as defined by the university, and any student serving as an employee, volunteer, or intern in the Athletics Department, or who regularly spends time with or travels with athletic teams (such as cheerleaders and band members).
Policy on Sexual, Romantic or Dating Relationships
Sexual, romantic, or dating relationships between an Athletics Department Staff Member and a Student-Athlete are strictly prohibited. Where a relationship exists between a Student-Athlete and an individual prior to the individual becoming an Athletics Department Staff Member, the individual will report the relationship to the Athletic Director prior to becoming an Athletics Department Staff Member. In such circumstances, the Athletic Director may determine, in his or her sole discretion, that the University’s Policy on Consensual Sexual Relationships Between Senior and Junior Members of the University Community shall apply.
Reporting and Addressing Violations
Reporting a Violation
Any person may report a potential violation of this Policy by contacting the Director of Athletics, or the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action (“IDEAA”). Should any Athletics Department Staff Member become aware of a potential violation of this policy, they must immediately notify the Athletics Director, who must notify IDEAA.
Addressing Reported Violations
Where a potential violation of this Policy is reported, IDEAA shall follow its standard procedure in investigating the incident and will provide recommendations to the Director of Athletics or the Senior Associate Athletic Director, where appropriate. If an investigation determines that an Athletics Department Staff Member has violated the policy, that individual shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
Prohibition on Retaliation
Any retaliation for reporting a violation of this policy, or for participating in good faith in any investigation of a violation of this policy, is strictly prohibited. Any persons taking retaliatory action in violation of this policy shall be subject to discipline by the Athletics Department in consultation with the Human Resources Department and IDEAA, up to and including termination.
Training
Athletics Department Staff Members will be required to attend training periodically on this Policy, as directed by the Director of Athletics.
Other Relevant Policies
Athletics Department Staff Members must also be aware of, and comply with, other relevant University policies, that complement and supplement the requirements and guidelines set out herein, including, but not limited to:
Whistleblower Policy
The University’s Whistleblower Protection Policy protects individuals from retaliation when they make good faith reports about problems.
Protection of Minors Policy
This Policy establishes guidelines for those in the University community who may work or interact with individuals under 18 years of age, with the goal of promoting the safety and well-being of minors.
Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination in Education
This Policy establishes that Georgetown University provides educational opportunities without regard to certain characteristics, including those prohibited by law, in its educational programs and activities.
Policy Statement on Harassment
This Policy establishes that Georgetown University prohibits harassment on the basis of certain characteristics, including those prohibited by law. This policy includes a prohibition on sexual harassment.
Grievance Procedures to Investigate Allegations of Discrimination and Harassment
These procedures establish that the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action (“IDEAA”) will review, investigate, and resolve alleged violations of the University’s Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination in Employment and Non Discrimination in Education
Policies, Affirmative Action Policy and the Policy Statement on Harassment
Policy on Consensual Sexual Relationships Between Senior and Junior Members of the University Community
This policy applies to other members of the University community and discourages consensual sexual relationships.
