Design Studies Institute strongly upholds its reputation of integrity and trust to maintain an academic environment free from unlawful sexual harassment and discrimination. The Design Studies Institute does not tolerate any form of sexual or gender-based misconduct.
Sexual misconduct and gender-based misconduct include sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation. Behaviors do not have a sexual nature to be considered gender-based misconduct. Harassment can include but is not limited to verbal or physical conduct, slurs, comments, jokes, rumors, unwelcome compliments or touching, written statements, or other threatening, harmful, or humiliating conduct. Sexual and gender-based misconduct can occur between individuals with an intimate or sexual relationship, as well as strangers, acquaintances, and those with close relationships, and can be committed by any gender identity, sex, or gender.
Any individual who believes that they have been sexually harassed or discriminated against can report the incident to the Design Studies Institute by email at report@dsi.edu.ai. All reports will be treated seriously with regards to dignity, privacy, and confidentiality. Faculty and staff who receive reports of sexual harassment or discrimination, should maintain the confidentiality and privacy of the received information, except in cases in which disclosure is legally required or necessary for legitimate processes, such as investigation and resolution of allegations.
All students have the right to:
In instances of reported sexual harassment, DSI will conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation of a complaint as necessary and appropriate. DSI will make every effort to complete its investigation within forty-five (45) days of a report of retaliation and will keep the investigation confidential to the extent possible. The Dean will appoint a neutral investigator to oversee the investigation. The investigator may find it necessary to extend the time period for completing an investigation in some circumstances. The investigator will provide the complainant and the alleged wrongdoer with notice of any extension and where necessary and appropriate, give them a new timetable for completion of the investigation.
Where a complaint alleges a potential violation of the Sexual Harassment Policy, the investigation will include an interview with both parties, as well as the person who made the initial report, if different than one of the parties, and/or any other person who may have information regarding the incident, each of whom is expected to cooperate with any investigation. The investigator may also review relevant documents. Both parties will have an opportunity to be heard and present information. The investigation process is strictly internal to DSI.
The investigator will report his or her findings to both parties and relevant supervisors for faculty or staff, or academic advisors for students, as may be appropriate.
Where the investigator concludes that a violation of this Sexual Harassment Policy has occurred, DSl takes prompt and appropriate remedial action. For staff and faculty, this includes disciplinary action (but is not limited to): reprimand/verbal counseling, training, censure, removal of privileges, letters of warning or suspension, and termination. Discipline for a violation of this Policy need not be progressive, so a first violation of this Policy may warrant suspension or discharge depending on the nature and severity of the conduct. For students, disciplinary actions are outlined in the Learner Disciplinary Policy.
