Parental Leave, Consensual Sexual Relations Policies Now Active
01/04/2021
Two policies are now active after completing the University policy approval process.
About the Policies
In keeping with its Jesuit mission, Saint Louis University recognizes that employees may need to balance work obligations while expanding and caring for families. The parental leave policy provides staff with paid leave time to care for and bond with newborn children and adopted children.
Consensual Sexual or Romantic Relationships Policy
Saint Louis University is committed to providing a safe, equitable, and respectful learning and work environment for all members of our community. Sexual or romantic relationships between members of the University community in unequal positions of power or authority can undermine this commitment and raise significant legal, administrative, and ethical risks.
There are many ways problems can arise when members of the University community in unequal positions of power engage in a sexual or romantic relationship. When one person in such a relationship has the ability or authority to grade, advance, promote, recommend, or otherwise influence the employment or academic status of the other, there is the possibility that what appears to be a consensual relationship may not be so. Some recipients of sexual advances may fear that refusal will result in loss of an employment or academic benefit, and thus enter into such a relationship even though it is, in fact, unwelcome. Such situations may constitute sexual harassment, which is illegal.
In other instances where the consensual relationship between unequal persons may not necessarily constitute sexual harassment, an inherent conflict of interest may give rise to the perception by others that there is preferential treatment or bias in decisions that favorably impact the individual in that consensual relationship. These perceptions undermine the spirit of trust and mutual respect that is important to the University culture.
This policy strives to provide an environment that is free from inequality, favoritism, or sexual harassment within the context of consensual sexual or romantic relationships between members of the Saint Louis University community when there is a disparity of power with an individual over whom one has Direct Authority.
These policies can be found on PolicyStat or the Policy Program site.
For questions or more information, contact Michael A. Reeves, Ph.D., chief policy and export control officer, or call 314-977-5880.