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6. Retaliation

Retaliation against an individual who in good faith complains of unlawful discrimination or harassment or provides information in an investigation about behavior that may violate this policy is against the law, will not be tolerated, and may be grounds for discipline. Retaliation in violation of this policy may result in discipline up to and including termination and/or expulsion. Any employee or student bringing an unlawful discrimination or harassment complaint or assisting in the investigation of such a complaint will not be adversely affected in terms and conditions of employment and/or academic standing, nor discriminated against, terminated, or expelled because of the complaint. Intentionally providing false information is also grounds for discipline.

“Retaliation” may include, but is not limited to, such conduct as:

  • the denial of adequate personnel to perform duties;
  • frequent replacement of members of the staff;
  • frequent and undesirable changes in the location of an office;
  • the refusal to assign meaningful work;
  • unwarranted disciplinary action;
  • unfair work performance evaluations;
  • a reduction in pay;
  • the denial of a promotion;
  • a dismissal;
  • a transfer;
  • frequent changes in working hours or workdays;
  • an unfair grade;
  • an unfavorable reference or reference letter;
  • intentionally providing false information.

a. Employees

  1. An employee who believes that they have been subjected to retaliation may file a retaliation complaint with their immediate supervisor, who will in turn immediately contact the Title IX Coordinator.
  2. If the employee feels uncomfortable about discussing the alleged retaliation with the immediate supervisor, the employee should feel free to bypass the supervisor and file a complaint with the Title IX Coordinator.
  3. After receiving any employee’s complaint of an incident of alleged retaliation, the supervisor will immediately contact the Title IX Coordinator to discuss it and/or to report the action taken. The supervisor has a responsibility to act even if the individuals involved do not report to that supervisor.

b. Students

  1. A student who believes that they have been subjected to retaliation may file a retaliation complaint with their major department chair or director of an administrative unit, who will in turn immediately contact the Title IX Coordinator.
  2. If the student feels uncomfortable about discussing the alleged retaliation with the department chair or director of an administrative unit, the student should feel free to bypass the person and file a complaint with the Title IX Coordinator.