Chapter 4. Affirmative Programs
Section 4.3. Discrimination

4.3.1. Harassment

Discriminatory Harassment: Behaviors by a person deemed by another person to be on the basis of one's membership in a protected or under-represented group (For example: a person may feel that harassing behaviors have occurred because of the sex, race, religion, or the sexual orientation of the person involved). Issues may include jokes, so-called friendly banter, work assignment, promotion, or personal relationships affecting the work place. Also, behaviors may involve supervisors, co-workers, or personnel from on or off campus.

The MTU Board of Control policy 3.23.1 Policy on Discrimination and Harassment states:

"Michigan Technological University is a diverse community of and for scholars. This community requires an environment of trust and openness where productive work, teaching and learning can thrive. The University recognizes the necessity of protecting First Amendment rights and encouraging free speech, but also recognizes that certain conduct can threaten the mutual respect that is the foundation of scholarly communities. This policy is intended to secure the freedom of expression guaranteed by the United States Constitution while maintaining the trust and mutual respect that are vital to a diverse university community.

This policy does not abrogate other policies, rights and regulations set forth by Michigan Technological University. Further, federal and state laws will be enforced notwithstanding any provision of this policy.

The civil rights statutes prohibit various forms of discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, height, weight, or veteran status.

At Michigan Technological University there is no place for discrimination and/or discriminatory harassment prohibited by Title VII, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, 42 U.S.C. §1983, Title VI, Title IX, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Michigan Handicappers' Act, the Michigan Ethnic Intimidation Act, the Michigan Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, and Board of Control policy. These behaviors by any member of the Michigan Technological University community are prohibited and are subject to disciplinary procedures ranging from reprimand to dismissal.

This policy shall be administered in accordance with procedures established by the provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs in consultation with the University Senate."

If a person feels they are being harassed, do the following:

1. Report the situation to the attention of the Affirmative Programs Office, the supervisor, or the department head, as soon as is possible. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to bring their issues to the Affirmative Programs Office for consideration. Refer to section 4.5. Filing a Complaint, of this chapter or to the procedures available on the Web site at http://www.admin.mtu.edu/aao/complprocedures.htm.