IU adopts new policy on sexual misconduct, harassment

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) - Indiana University has adopted a new policy on sexual misconduct and harassment that includes definitions of consent and outlines procedures for reporting and investigating incidents.

The policy took effect March 1 and stemmed from a six-month project that incorporated components from previous policies.

The policy prohibits sexual violence, harassment and discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation on campus or off-campus in university-related activities.

It's part of a broader effort to prevent and respond to sexual violence at IU and comes after the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights released documents last spring detailing how it expects universities to interpret Title IX. The federal law prohibits sex discrimination by educational institutions and programs that receive federal aid.

The University Faculty Council unanimously adopted the policy last week.