Belmont University is a Christ-centered community. The University faculty, administration, and staff uphold Jesus as the Christ and as the measure for all things. As a community seeking to uphold Christian standards of morality, ethics, and conduct, Belmont University holds high expectations of each person who chooses to join the community.
Central to Belmont University’s Christ-centered mission is the Imago Dei—the image of God present in every human being. Belmont University therefore honors every individual with dignity and respect and seeks a campus culture where every member is seen, valued, and called according to God’s purpose. In recognition of God’s design for humanity and rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Belmont University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other classification protected by law in its policies, programs, activities, or practices.
This policy complies with applicable federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws and regulations, including provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Tennessee Human Rights Act; and Title 49, Chapter 7, Part 1 of the Tennessee Code Annotated. This policy applies to all recruitment, admissions, financial aid, educational, employment, or other University-administered policies, programs, activities, or practices.*
Belmont University has appointed the Chief Human Resources Office/Deputy Title IX Coordinator to serve as coordinator of non-discrimination compliance for staff and faculty. The Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance and Title IX Coordinator serves as coordinator of compliance for Title IX (sex discrimination) issues and questions for students.
*Consistent with applicable law, Belmont University primarily hires employees of the Christian faith who are committed to supporting the University’s Christ-centered mission. In accordance with accrediting standards for its professional education programs in law and medicine, Belmont University does not apply religious criteria in hiring employees within those programs. All employees hired by Belmont University, regardless of religious faith, shall be committed to supporting the University’s Christ-centered, student-focused mission.
Inquiries or complaints related to sex discrimination (including sexual harassment, sexual orientation, and/or pregnancy) or other forms of discrimination/harassment (e.g., race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, military service) should be directed to:
Cleo Rucker, J.D. (Employee Issues/Complaints)
AVP & Chief Human Resources Officer
& Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Fidelity Hall, Room 420
1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212
615-460-6456
cleo.rucker@belmont.edu
Carly Elliott (Student Issues/Complaints)
Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance
and Title IX Coordinator
Fidelity Hall, 2nd Floor
1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212
615-460-6894
carly.elliott@belmont.edu
Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or harassment), to the Title IX Coordinator/Deputy in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, including during non-business hours. Incidents of sex discrimination may also be reported to the federal Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Assistant Secretary.
Inquiries or complaints related to other forms of discrimination/harassment (e.g., race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, military service) should be directed to:
Dean of Students Office (Student Issues/Complaints)
deanofstudents@belmont.edu
Office: 615.460.6407
Office of Human Resources (Employee Issues/Complaints)
Cleo Rucker
AVP & Chief Human Resources Officer
& Deputy Title IX Coordinator
(Contact information above)
Legacy Program Review and Reporting
All University employees share responsibility for ensuring compliance with this Non-Discrimination Policy. Any faculty or staff member who becomes aware of a current or legacy program, practice, scholarship, or policy that may conflict with this Non-Discrimination Policy shall promptly report the matter to the Office of University Counsel for review and appropriate action. The Office of University Counsel will coordinate with relevant University offices to assess compliance and, where necessary, recommend corrective measures to align the program with applicable law and University policy.