Columbia University Disciplinary Procedure for Sexual Assault

Sexual assault may be committed by men against women, men against men, women against women, or women against men. The critical factor that distinguishes acceptable sexual behavior from unnacceptable behavior is the active consent of all parties involved. When individuals willingly and knowingly engage in sexual activity with each other, it is consensual. It is the responsibility of individuals to engage in sexual activity only to which their partners consent.

The University defines sexual assault as:

Non-consensual, intentional physical contact, of a sexual nature, such as, unwelcome physical contact with a person's genitals, buttocks or breasts.

Sexual assault occurs when the act is committed either by:

a) physical force, violence, threat or intimidation;
b) ignoring the objections of another person;
c) causing another's intoxication or impairment through the use of drugs or alcohol; or
d) taking advantage of another person's incapacitation, state of intimidation, helplessness, or other inability to consent.

Disclaimer: The policy and procedures set forth on this Web site have been approved by the University's office of the General Counsel and are effective as of September 2008; accordingly, they are the governing Disciplinary Procedures for Sexual Assault.