East Carolina University Faculty Manual

APPENDIX V.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

I. Rationale

Well-publicized policies and procedures such as these will help to create an atmosphere in which individuals who believe that they are the victims of sexual harassment or discrimination are assured that their grievances will be dealt with fairly and effectively. It is more important still to create an atmosphere in which instances of sexual harassment or discrimination are discouraged. Toward this end, all members of the university community should understand that sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, and sexual exploitation of professional relationships violates the University's policy and will not be tolerated. Members of the university community are encouraged to express freely, responsibly, and in an orderly way their opinions and feelings about any problem or complaint of harassment or discrimination prohibited under these policies. East Carolina University will take every step to resolve grievances promptly and confidentially. Any act by the university's employees or students of reprisal, interference, restraint, penalty, discrimination, coercion, or harassment against a student or an employee for using these policies responsibly interferes with free expression and openness, and violates this policy. Accordingly, members of the university community are prohibited from acts of reprisal against individuals who bring charges or are involved as witnesses or otherwise try to use these policies responsibly.