Policy & Procedures

In keeping with its long-standing tradition and policies, and with applicable state and federal law, Fresno Pacific University (“FPU” or “University”) does not discriminate in the operation of or access to the University’s programs on the basis of the following protected classes: race; color, national origin (including possessing a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), or ancestry; age; physical or mental disability, perceived disability or perceived potential disability; sex, gender, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding; medical condition; citizenship; military and veteran status; genetic characteristics; political affiliation; or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances (“Protected Class” or “Protected Classes”).

Fresno Pacific University is governed by the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. The University is deeply and intentionally rooted in the Anabaptist Christian tradition. The University has developed a Statement of Faith consistent with the denomination (also referred to as a Confession of Faith) and the Fresno Pacific Idea documents which reflect the University’s interpretation of what it means to be a community of learners committed to a distinctive vision of Christian higher education. The theological position of the University is represented in its Statement of Faith, as expressed in the Confession of Faith of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. As a Christian university, FPU administers this policy in alignment with the University’s Statement of Faith, the FPU Idea and applicable exemptions for religious institutions afforded by state and federal law. Nothing in this policy is intended to limit or otherwise conflict with the University’s exercise of rights as a religious institution and/or under applicable religious exemptions.

This Non-Discrimination Policy (“Policy”) prohibits the following conduct (“Prohibited Conduct”):

  1. Harassment or discrimination, including, but not limited to, Sex-Based Misconduct against students, employees, and applicants for admission or employment based on membership in a Protected Class;

  2. Harassment or discrimination based on the perception that a person is a member of a Protected Class or is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, membership in a Protected Class;

  3. Any and all Retaliation against any person for submitting a report of violation of this Policy or for cooperating in the administration of this Policy, including participation in an investigation or adjudication process;

  4. Knowingly submitting a complaint under this Policy based on false allegations or to knowingly provide false information in connection with an investigation or adjudication of a complaint processed under this Policy;

  5. Any Responsible Employee who fails to report allegations of Prohibited Conduct, including, but not limited to, Sex-Based Misconduct or Title IX Sexual Harassment;

  6. Any person in a position of power or influence that intentionally deters or hinders another person from reporting allegations of conduct which, if true, would violate this Policy;

  7. Any other violation of this Policy.

The intent of this Policy is to provide for the University to act consistently with its legal obligations under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (“USERRA”), the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title I and Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) of 1990 and as amended by ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (“IRCA”), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state anti-discrimination laws. FPU recognizes that the law in these areas may change. To the extent this policy conflicts with applicable federal or state law, FPU will act in compliance with law.

The purpose of this policy is to:

  1. Define Prohibited Conduct;

  2. Ensure members of the University community respond appropriately when incidents of Prohibited Conduct occur;

  3. Provide for methods of reporting Prohibited Conduct to appropriate University administrators;

  4. Establish fair and equitable procedures for filing and handling complaints of Prohibited Conduct; and

  5. Ensure that when Prohibited Conduct does occur the University takes appropriate measures to stop, prevent and remedy the Prohibited Conduct;

  6. Set forth grievance procedures for the handling of Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment complaints, as required by federal regulations set forth at 34 Code of Federal Regulations Section 106.45.

This policy shall be reviewed periodically to determine if modifications are appropriate.