Policies

Michigan Tech

KBIC

University Policy Office

What is harassment? Harassment includes – but is not limited to – conduct or speech that is unwelcome or personally offensive, whether it is related to ethnicity, national origin, race, gender, physical appearance, religion, age, body size, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or anything else not related to scientific content or merit. Harassment also includes deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, unnecessary touching, unwelcome attention, unauthorized photography or recording, and sustained disruption of talks or other events. Lastly, encouraging such behavior of others is not permitted, retaliation for reporting harassment is not permitted, nor are false harassment accusations.

Who is covered by this CoC? All attendees, including speakers, non-speakers, mentors, attendees, sponsors, staff, and volunteers are covered by this CoC. The REU site organizers will enforce the CoC throughout the event.

Guidelines for Speakers: The content of presentations is the responsibility of speakers, and the REU site organizers request that all speakers and mentors be aware of potentially offensive actions, language, or imagery, and avoid using such content in their talks.

Reporting Harassment: Michigan Tech is committed to supporting a safe and productive environment. Clear mechanisms for reporting harassment are outlined at https://www.mtu.edu/equity/definitions/complaint-procedures/index.html, including a mechanism for anonymous reporting, if desired. In case of an emergency, please dial 911 or contact Public Safety and Police Services at 906-487-2216.

If a harassment incident is reported, the event organizers will conduct an investigation. If it is determined to the best of their ability that a participant has violated this CoC, they may take any action deemed appropriate, including a warning, expulsion from the REU site, and prohibition from attendance of future events. All complaints will be treated seriously and responded to promptly. Under certain circumstances, the organizers may also contact venue security and/or local police. To protect all parties involved, the organizers will generally not make any detailed public statements about the incidents.

In addition, both Michigan Tech employees and National Science Foundation awardees are prohibited by law from retaliating, harassing, coercing, or taking any adverse action against individuals who filed a complaint or participated in a discrimination, harassment, or retaliation investigation. The National Science Foundation’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion investigates complaints of retaliation. To file a complaint with the National Science Foundation, contact 703-292-8020 or ProgramComplaints@nsf.gov.

Liability: The REU site: TECH SCEnE shall not be responsible for any offensive, defamatory, or otherwise illegal conduct of all participants, and shall not be held liable for property damage, personal injury, theft or damage of any kind suffered by the participants at or in connection with the REU site. By participating in the REU site program, each participant acknowledges that they have read this CoC, and expressly releases the REU site, its organizers, volunteers, and staff from any and all liability in connection with such meeting as provided herein.