Title IX, Title VIII and Equal Opportunities

I. PREAMBLE

Atlas University believes that every human being bears the image of God and therefore possesses inviolable dignity.
Discrimination, harassment, and abuse contradict the nature of divine truth and have no place within the covenantal life of this University.

This Policy affirms that Atlas University will uphold all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination — specifically Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and corresponding Florida Civil Rights statutes (Fla. Stat. §§ 760.01–760.11) — while interpreting them through the lens of our mission: to glorify God through every discipline and relationship.

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy is to:

  1. Provide an environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.

  2. Define prohibited conduct under Title IX and Title VII.

  3. Establish clear reporting and grievance procedures.

  4. Designate officials responsible for compliance and resolution.

  5. Safeguard both justice and mercy in accordance with Scripture and law.

III. SCOPE

This Policy applies to:

  • All students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, contractors, and volunteers.

  • All educational, employment, and extracurricular programs operated by Atlas University.

  • Conduct that occurs on campus, at University-sponsored activities, or through University technology.

IV. NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Atlas University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information in its educational programs, admissions, employment, or activities.

Consistent with its faith-based mission, Atlas University maintains the right to employ individuals who affirm the Statement of Faith and uphold the Covenantal Code of Conduct as bona fide occupational qualifications under Title VII’s religious exemption (42 U.S.C. §2000e–1).

V. TITLE IX DEFINITIONS

  • Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies equal access to education or employment.

  • Sexual Assault: Any non-consensual sexual act as defined under federal or Florida law.

  • Dating Violence / Domestic Violence: Abuse or coercion within intimate or family relationships.

  • Stalking: Conduct directed at an individual that causes fear or emotional distress.

Retaliation against any individual for reporting, testifying, or participating in a Title IX process is strictly prohibited.

VI. TITLE IX COORDINATOR

Atlas University designates the following officer to coordinate compliance efforts under Title IX and Title VII:

Title IX Coordinator:
Office of Institutional Integrity
Atlas University, Inc.

Email: titleix@a1.university

The Coordinator is responsible for intake, investigation, training, and reporting of all complaints under this Policy.

VII. REPORTING PROCEDURES

1. Who May Report

Any student, employee, or third party may report discrimination or harassment, whether they are the target or a witness. Reports may be made verbally or in writing to:

  • The Title IX Coordinator

  • Any Dean, Faculty Chair, or Supervisor (who must forward it to the Coordinator)

  • The President (in executive oversight cases)

2. Confidential Resources

Pastoral counselors, medical staff, and licensed counselors are confidential resources not required to report incidents without consent.

3. Anonymous Reporting

Anonymous reports may be submitted via the Atlas Integrity Portal, though anonymity may limit the University’s ability to investigate.

4. Emergency Assistance

In cases of immediate danger, contact 911 or campus security.

VIII. GRIEVANCE PROCESS

1. Initial Assessment

Upon receipt of a report, the Title IX Coordinator conducts a preliminary review to determine jurisdiction, credibility, and necessary interim measures.

2. Formal Complaint

A written complaint triggers the formal grievance process. Parties are notified, and an investigator is assigned.

3. Investigation

  • Conducted fairly, impartially, and promptly.

  • Both parties may present evidence and witnesses.

  • Confidentiality maintained to the extent possible.

4. Hearing and Determination

A trained decision-maker reviews the investigation report and conducts a hearing if required. Findings are issued in writing within 10 business days of the hearing.

5. Sanctions and Remedies

If a violation is found, disciplinary action may include warning, suspension, dismissal, or termination. Supportive measures (e.g., counseling, no-contact orders) may be provided to the complainant.

6. Appeal

Either party may appeal within 10 business days to the President, whose decision is final.

IX. TITLE VII EMPLOYMENT PROVISIONS

Title VII protects employees from discrimination or harassment based on sex, race, color, religion, or national origin.
Atlas University prohibits:

  • Unequal pay or employment opportunity.

  • Hostile workplace conduct.

  • Retaliation for complaint or participation in an investigation.

Supervisors are required to report any observed or reported violations to the Title IX Coordinator.

X. TRAINING AND PREVENTION

  1. Annual training for all faculty, staff, and administrators on Title IX obligations.

  2. Student orientation programs covering consent, respect, and reporting procedures.

  3. Special workshops for campus safety officers and Residence Life staff.

  4. All training materials publicly available on the Atlas website in compliance with 34 CFR §106.45(b)(10).

XI. RECORDKEEPING

All records of reports, investigations, hearings, and training shall be maintained for seven (VII) years by the Title IX Coordinator in coordination with the Records Management Policy.

XII. PROTECTION AGAINST RETALIATION

No person may be subjected to intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination for:

  • Filing a complaint.

  • Participating in an investigation.

  • Opposing discriminatory practices.

Allegations of retaliation are investigated as separate violations under this Policy.

XIII. SPIRITUAL AND ETHICAL FRAMEWORK

Atlas University’s approach to equality is rooted in Galatians 3:28:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ.”

Justice at Atlas is restorative, not merely punitive; it seeks both accountability and redemption.
Every process under this Policy must preserve human dignity and the possibility of reconciliation.

XIV. REVIEW AND AMENDMENT

This Policy shall be reviewed annually by the Title IX Coordinator and General Counsel, approved by the President, and ratified by the Board of Trustees.