East Carolina University Faculty Manual

APPENDIX X.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES FOR COMPLAINTS OF SEXUAL OR RACIAL HARASSMENT OR DISCRIMINATION OR CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BROUGHT AGAINST EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY FACULTY MEMBERS OR ADMINISTRATORS HOLDING FACULTY STATUS.*

I. Preamble

A. Well-publicized procedures such as these will help to create an atmosphere in which individuals who believe that they are the victims of 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, racial or ethnic harassment or discrimination, and conflicts of interest are not tolerated. Toward this end, all members of the University community should understand that sexual, racial, and ethnic harassment or discrimination, the creation of conflicts of interest, and the exploitation of professional relationships violates East Carolina University policy and will not be tolerated. When complaints of sexual harassment, discrimination, or conflict of interest have been substantiated, the Chancellor, or the Chancellor’s designee, may take such disciplinary action as he or she deems appropriate, including discharge, suspension from employment, or reduction in rank, in a manner that is consistent with the policies and procedures stated in the ECU Faculty Manual, Appendix D, section VI.

B. 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, discrimination or conflict of interest prohibited under the policies stated in the ECU Faculty Manual, Part VII, Research Information, and Appendix V, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Conflicts of Interest Policies. East Carolina University will take every step to resolve grievances promptly and confidentially.

C. Any act by a University employee or student of reprisal, interference, restraint, penalty, discrimination, coercion, or harassment against a student or an employee for using these procedures responsibly interferes with free expression and openness, and violates East Carolina University policy. Accordingly, members or the University community are prohibited from acts of reprisal against individuals who bring charges or are involved as witnesses or otherwise try to responsibly use this policy. The University recognizes that the free and unfettered interchange of competing views is essential to the institution's educational mission, and that the peoples' right to express opinions is guaranteed by the United States Constitution.