Information on Reporting Discrimination

The information collected below is for the benefit of complainants and witnesses who may choose to report, but may not represent current university policy.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Furman University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law in admission, treatment, or access to, or employment in, its programs and activities.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, Furman also affirms its commitment to nondiscrimination in its employment policies and practices. For concerns related to discrimination on the basis of disability, contact the director of the Student Office for Accessibility Resources, 864.294.2320, 3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29613. For all other concerns, contact the assistant vice president for Human Resources at 864.294.2217, 3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29613.

Acts of Intolerance

Students are prohibited from engaging in acts of intolerance. An act of intolerance is defined as any conduct that serves no scholarly purpose appropriate to the educational experience and demonstrates bias against others because of, but not limited to, their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, religion, veteran status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. An act of intolerance can be targeted toward a specific person or group. The conduct must actually cause or reasonably be intended to cause intimidation, alienation, or other harm to individuals in the Furman community based on actual or perceived characteristics.

Bias Incident Response Team

The BIRS plan addresses bias incidents occurring both within and outside of the University community that involve students, staff, faculty, and visitors to campus.

BIRS is not a disciplinary procedure and does not investigate, arbitrate, or replace other Furman procedures or services nor does it override the responsibility or authority of any University office designated to address complaints of alleged discrimination, harassment or hate crimes. Its purpose is to supplement and work with campus units to connect those who have experienced an act of bias (or those who have witnessed such an act) with appropriate support and resources. Furthermore, the BIRS plan works with campus units and offices to coordinate the response to incidents that are likely to affect the campus climate.

For more information access the bias incident report.

Harassment

Furman University believes that all employees and students have the right to work and study in an environment free from all forms of adverse discrimination, including any form of harassment. Furman University will not tolerate any conduct (verbal or physical) that constitutes harassment by any administrator, faculty member, staff member, vendor, visitor or student. Review Furman’s harassment policies.

Ombudspersons Program

The goal of Furman’s ombudspersons program is to provide faculty and staff members with voluntary, informal, neutral and confidential assistance in resolving university-related issues or concerns. All ombudspersons follow the International Ombudsman Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. For more information visit the Ombudspersons website.

Title IX (Sexual Harassment or Misconduct)

Furman University is committed to maintaining and strengthening an environment founded on civility and respect. Sexual Misconduct is antithetical to the values and standards of the university community, is incompatible with the safe, healthy environment that the university community expects and deserves, and will not be tolerated. Review our Title IX policies.​​