Policies

Legal Notices

This page includes legal notices along with summaries and links to important policies of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTS), although it is not intended to be comprehensive. A more comprehensive list of policies applicable to members of the JTS community is available on the Sharepoint Student Intranet.

JTS Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

The Jewish Theological Seminary (“JTS”) is committed to the principle that discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated in the JTS community. All members of the JTS community must be able to work and study in an atmosphere that discourages discrimination and harassment by individuals, including colleagues, supervisors, teachers, and peers. This principle applies in areas including employment practices, personnel policies, financial assistance, educational programs, activities, and housing matters.

It applies equally to faculty, staff, students, and applicants for admission and employment, as well as all visitors, invitees, vendors, contractors, consultants, and others who visit or do business with JTS. Read the policy here. 

Copyright and Intellectual Property

All graphics, photographs, and text appearing on the JTS website are protected by copyright. Redistribution or commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. Use of the name, logos, and other marks of The Jewish Theological Seminary is subject to the written consent of JTS.

JTS Policy on Academic Freedom 

JTS is committed to fostering an environment of intellectual inquiry, critical thinking, and academic freedom. 

Academic freedom is defined as the right of JTS faculty and employees to research, teach, and express their views freely within their area(s) of professional focus, without unreasonable interference, restriction, or censorship from any institutional or public constituency. It encompasses both rights and responsibilities that are essential to the pursuit of knowledge, the dissemination of information, the maintenance of an inclusive educational community, and the development of informed citizens. 

Faculty have full freedom to pursue research, scholarly activities, and the publication of their work without undue interference. They are held to the same standards and policies related to professional conduct as other members of the institutional community and those standards set by their peers and professional organizations. 

Instructors enjoy substantial freedom to determine course content and curricula while maintaining a responsibility to ensure that their teaching activities align with JTS’s mission and values. Instructors are entitled to freedom in the classroom to discuss all aspects of their subject area. Instructors are expected to create inclusive and respectful classroom environments in which all students can learn effectively.  

All members of the JTS community have the right to express their views on matters of public concern. When they speak or write as independent citizens, they are entitled to freedom from institutional censorship or discipline, but this right shall not be interpreted to supersede JTS’s code of conduct policies. Members of the JTS community must not represent themselves as institutional spokespersons or make statements on behalf of institutional bodies unless specifically commissioned to serve in such a capacity. 

Policy on Maintenance of Public Order 

Pursuant to Article 129-A of the New York State Education Law (as amended), the New York State Legislature requires all colleges and universities to adopt rules for the maintenance of public order governing the conduct of students, faculty, staff, guests, or other persons on campus property (“the JTS Community”). These rules prohibit actions that recklessly or intentionally endanger the mental or physical health of others.

Read the Policy on Maintenance Of Public Order.

Disability Accommodation

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, JTS is committed to providing: i) equal access to educational resources to qualified students with physical or mental disabilities; and ii) reasonable accommodations to qualified employees. For more information, see: Students with Disabilities.

Institutional Integrity (Whistleblower)

The Jewish Theological Seminary of America (“JTS”) has a responsibility to manage its resources wisely, in a manner consistent with the law, and in accordance with the JTS’s stated purposes. JTS has put in place operating procedures and internal controls that are intended to enable JTS to conduct its operations in accordance with these obligations and to detect, deter, or prevent improper activities. However, intentional and unintentional violations of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures may occur and may constitute improper or unlawful activities.

JTS has a responsibility to investigate any reports of improper or illegal conduct, and to take action where necessary to remedy a problem and prevent reoccurrence. In certain circumstances JTS will report allegations of improper activities to the appropriate parties, and will also report the resolution of any investigation. Investigations will be conducted with discretion and the information obtained made available only on a “need to know” basis.

Matters that should be reported under this policy include suspected fraud, theft, embezzlement, accounting or auditing irregularities, bribery, kickbacks, misuse of JTS assets, or suspected regulatory, compliance, or ethics-related issues, concerns, or violations. Reporting violations of JTS’s applicable human resources policies, problems with coworkers or managers, or issues related to alleged employment discrimination or sexual or other form of unlawful harassment should be dealt with in accordance with JTS’s Human Resources Policies or its Policy on Discrimination and Sexual Harassment.

It is the responsibility of every employee to report any suspected incidents of improper or illegal activity and violations of significant JTS policies and procedures. An employee should also report any situation where the employee believes he or she has been directed to engage in conduct or activity that would result in a violation of law. These reports should be factual and contain as much specific information as possible.

An employee should report these concerns promptly to JTS’s General Counsel or another appropriate senior administrator. If an employee is concerned about making a report, the employee may make the report anonymously, but this often hampers the ability to conduct a full investigation. Reports may be made orally to the General Counsel, Keath Blatt, by email to him at keblatt@jtsa.edu, or by placing a written report (marked “confidential”) in his internal mailbox, Box No. 77. In following up on a report, the General Counsel or his/her representative may ask for additional information, so the employee should provide contact information.

An employee filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation of the standards noted above must act in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed may indicate a violation of such standards. JTS recognizes its responsibility to protect from retaliation employees who, in good faith, report allegations of improper or illegal conduct at JTS or by JTS personnel. In the event an employee believes retaliation is occurring, or s/he is being pressured not to report improper or illegal activity, the employee should promptly advise the General Counsel or another senior administrator. Anyone who engages in retaliation or acts to frustrate the intent of this policy will be subject to discipline. An employee who is found to have acted in an improper or illegal manner, or, conversely, does not act in good faith under this policy, will also be subject to discipline up to and including termination.

If any member of the JTS staff has any questions or seeks additional information about this policy, please contact the General Counsel at 212-678-8804 or keblatt@jtsa.edu.

Student Bill of Rights

JTS is committed to providing options, support and assistance to victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking to ensure that they can continue to participate in JTS-wide and campus programs, activities, and employment. All victims/survivors of these crimes and violations have the following rights, regardless of whether the crime or violation occurs on campus, off campus, or while studying abroad:

• Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;

• Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;

• Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure by the institution;

• Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;

• Be treated with dignity and to receive from the institution courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;

• Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;

• Describe the incident to as few institution representatives as practicable and not be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;

• Be protected from retaliation by the institution, any student, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution;

• Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;

• Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process; and

• Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the institution.

Campus Security and Crime Awareness Report

In furtherance of its efforts to provide a safe and secure learning and work environment, and pursuant to the federal law known as the Clery Act, JTS makes available its Annual Security Report here. Requests for a paper copy may be sent to facilities@jtsa.edu. JTS’s Clery Act statistics are filed annually with the U.S. Department of Education and may be accessed on its website at http://ope.ed.gov/security.

Legal Disclaimer

Information on JTS’s web pages is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. In no event will JTS be liable for damages of any kind, including without limitation any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, even if JTS has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information submitted for publication on JTS web pages, this website may inadvertently contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Information may be changed or updated without notice. JTS also reserves the right to make changes to the programs and policies described on its website at any time without notice. JTS assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions on its website or in documents that are referenced by or linked to this website.

Responsibility for the content of personal home pages resides solely with the author(s). The views and opinions expressed on student and faculty personal pages are strictly the views and opinions of the authors and are not approved or sanctioned by JTS. JTS will not impose any restraints on, nor make any effort to monitor the content of, communications other than those imposed by applicable federal, state, or local laws, including laws regarding the right to privacy and laws which prohibit defamatory material. JTS accepts no responsibility for the content of personal web pages.

General Grievance

General Grievance Procedures

Any person who believes that JTS policies or procedures either do not conform to applicable laws or are contrary to its own published standards, and whose complaint is outside the scope of other available hearing bodies, may request consideration of the matter as outlined below:

• In most situations, the person should consult the appropriate dean or the director of Human Resources, who will assist the person in approaching the appropriate faculty member, department head or supervisor.
• If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, he/she may present a written statement to the vice chancellor/chief operating officer who will determine whether he can assist in the resolution of the matter.

Student Complaint Process

Any student who has a complaint with respect to eligible programs, requirements, or other grievances at JTS, and the complaint cannot be resolved informally, as outlined in the General Grievance Procedures above, or which is not covered by other applicable hearing bodies, may file a formal written complaint with the vice chancellor/chief operating officer.

Any complaints so filed shall be investigated and resolved, if possible, within ninety days, when a final determination shall be made and communicated to the student. If the vice chancellor is directly involved in the alleged problem, a complaint may be filed with the provost. Any questions as to whether the vice chancellor is directly involved in a problem shall be directed to the Office of Counsel for determination.

No adverse action shall be taken against any student filing such a complaint, as long as such complaints are filed in good faith, and with reasonable assurance of the accuracy of the facts.

New York State Complaint Procedure

Any student who cannot obtain redress for a complaint through the general grievance procedures outlined above may refer such complaint to the State of New York. Procedures for filing a complaint with New York State are outlined here.

Credit Card Solicitation

JTS prohibits any unauthorized commercial activity on its campus, including the advertising, marketing, or merchandising of credit cards to students. 

Emergency Closing

JTS follows the New York City public school system when deciding to close in inclement weather. If the New York City public schools are closed due to weather, JTS will be closed.

There may be a rare occurrence when we decide to close because of a severe storm or other emergency, even though the city schools remain open. Additionally, there may be times when the New York City schools are already closed, for example, during holidays. In order to make this information available to you during such occurrences, JTS maintains a phone line that will play a recorded message beginning at 6:00 a.m. in the event of a closing. That number is (212) 678-8898. Should you get a repeated busy signal due to a heavy volume of calls, you may also phone the Security desk at (212) 678-8087.

In the event that JTS closes due to inclement weather, an announcement to that effect will appear on the homepage of the JTS website, at www.jtsa.edu.

Smoking

In accordance with New York City law, smoking is prohibited in all areas of the residence halls and in and adjacent to all JTS buildings. This includes classrooms, restrooms, lobbies, hallways, elevators, lounges, private offices, the courtyard, the moadon, and the dining room. Smoking is not permitted in any outside areas contiguous to JTS buildings. 

Compliance with the provisions of this policy is expected of the entire JTS community, as well as any visitors to JTS. Smoking in a prohibited area may subject the violator to a civil or criminal penalty under the law and/or disciplinary action by JTS. Persons who refuse to extinguish smoking material upon request, or who persist in smoking in a prohibited area, will be reported to the Security Office, or, in the case of smoking in a JTS residence, the Office of Residence Life. JTS reserves the right to dismiss resident students from housing for continued violations of this policy.

In case of a dispute arising under this smoking policy, the health concerns of the nonsmoking party shall be accorded priority. Any disputes may be referred in writing to the Director of Residence Life, if the dispute involves the residence halls, or the Director of Human Resources, for all other disputes; the appropriate director will investigate and resolve the matter.

There will be no retaliatory or other adverse action taken against any person who asserts his/her rights under the Smoke-Free Air Acts. There can be severe penalties for violating the law. The Department of Health may fine JTS and/or the individual up to $2,000 for each violation.