Policy Statement on Discrimination and Harassment, Statement of Nondiscriminatory Policies, Discrimination Grievance Procedure, Policy on Sexual Harassment, and Romantic Relationship Advisory Statement

(Excerpt from Appendix E of FACETS)

Columbia University is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and to fostering a nurturing and vibrant community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all of its members.Consistent with this commitment and with applicable federal, state, and local laws, it is the policy of the University not to tolerate discrimination or sexual harassment in any form and to provide faculty, students, administrators, and staff who feel that they are victims of either with mechanisms for seeking redress.

All members of the University community are expected to adhere to the policy in this statement and to cooperate with the procedure it describes for responding to complaints of discrimination and sexual harassment.They are also encouraged to report any conduct they believe to be in violation of this policy.Management and supervisory personnel in particular are responsible for taking reasonable and necessary action to prevent discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace and for responding promptly to any such claims.

In the event of a investigation conducted according the appropriate University procedure, individuals found to have engaged in discrimination or sexual harassment will be subject to discipline.The sanctions imposed can range up to and include termination of employment in the case of officers and staff or dismissal from the programs in which they are enrolled for students.Retaliation against anyone who files a compliant or participates in an investigation is prohibited may be addressed in an independent claim.

Consensual, romantic relationships between faculty and other employees and students and between individuals who work together are generally not considered sexual harassment and are not prohibited by University policy.However, individuals should be aware that these relationships are susceptible to being characterized as non-consensual, and even coercive, if there is an inherent power differential between the parties, and can lead to complaints of sexual harassment.Individuals should refer to the University’s Romantic Relationship Advisory on the World Wide Web at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/vpaa/eoaa/docs/romance.html.

Nothing in this policy shall abridge academic freedom or the University’s educational mission.Prohibitions against discrimination and sexual harassment do not extend to statements or written materials that are relevant and appropriately related to the subject matter of courses.

What to do if you feel you are the victim of discrimination or harassment:

Students who feel they may have been harassed or discriminated against based on race, color, age, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status may consult or file a complaint with:

• the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action if the accused is a University employee (faculty or staff);

• the Ombuds Office;
  
  
• any member of Panel on Discrimination and Sexual Harassment;

• their own dean;

• the dean or Dean of Studentsof the school of the accused if the accused is a student;
  
  
• the Chair of the department of the accused (student or faculty);
  
  
• the Dean of the school or division of the accused, if the accused is a faculty member;
  
  
• management and supervisory personnel, if the accused ia an employee;
  
  
• the Office of Employee and Labor relations, Human Resources, if the accused is an employee;
  

• the Department of Public Safety, if the situation appears to involve criminal activity.

Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
103 Low Memorial Library, Mail Code 4333
(212) 854-5511