Palm Beach State College Board Policy

Title: Consensual Relationships

Policy Number: 6Hx-18-5.87

Legal Authority: 1001.64 FS; 1001.65 FS

Date Adopted/Amended: Adopted 5/9/2000; Amended 5/12/2009

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A consensual relationship is defined as a relationship that is of a romantic and/or sexual nature between faculty members and students they currently teach or supervise or between supervisors and subordinates. Consensual relationships are prohibited. This policy applies to all full-time, part-time and temporary employees. The College will take prompt disciplinary action against individuals at any of our locations who engage in actions that violate this policy.

This policy is not intended to discourage the interaction of employees and members of the College community where it is appropriate and ethical. However, consensual relationships are inappropriate because they may lead to sexual harassment issues, as well as conflict of interest, favoritism and low morale. In instances where allegations of sexual harassment are raised within the context of what was once a consensual relationship, those allegations will be handled according to the procedures outlined by the College’s harassment policy.