Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct

Harvard University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the University community is, on the basis of sex, including sexual orientation or gender identity, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any University program or activity. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination in that it denies an individual equal access to the University’s programs or activities.

How to Report Sexual or Gender-Based Harassment

Harvard University and SEAS are committed to preventing sexual harassment and to responding promptly to any reported incidents. There are several options for reporting a concern of sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct. You may wish to disclose a concern to the University– anonymously or not– or you may wish to engage in a formal investigative process by filing a formal complaint. If you believe that you have been subject to sexual or gender based harassment at SEAS or elsewhere at Harvard, or you have observed such a situation, you can contact a SEAS Title IX Resource Coordinator. As you consider your next steps, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Supports are available to you throughout the reporting process.
• Disclosing a concern is not the same as filing a formal complaint with a Title IX Resource Coordinator.
• A Title IX Resource Coordinator can answer any questions you may have to make an informed decision about engaging in process that feels right for you.

How to Report a Concern:

• Report a Concern
• File a Formal Complaint
• Request an Informal Resolution
• Disclose Anonymously
• Disclose to a Title IX Resource Coordinator

Title IX Resource Coordinator

Title IX Resource Coordinators have specialized experience in responding to disclosures of sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct. They serve in a neutral role, support all members of the Harvard community, and are expert resources around the University’s policies, procedures, and resources in the realm of sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct. Resource Coordinators serve as the primary point of contact for individuals seeking supportive measures, individualized supports that enable Harvard community members impacted by sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct to access their work or studies. 

To find your SEAS Title IX Resource Coordinator, please visit:  

https://oge.harvard.edu/specialized-local-supports

Responsible Employee 

Harvard University faculty, staff, and postdocs may receive disclosures regarding concerns of sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct from students or fellow postdocs, staff, or faculty members. Unless identified by the University as a confidential resource, faculty, staff, and postdocs are considered Responsible Employees and must promptly notify a Title IX Resource Coordinator about possible sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct. 

Why is the Responsible Employee role important?

• Ensures that individuals consistently receive accurate information about the resources and options available from a trained person in a position to assist them.
• Provides individuals with access to supportive measures to address any emerging or ongoing challenges.
• Enables the University to proactively address any community safety concerns, including patterns of possible sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct.

More information can be found here:

 https://oge.harvard.edu/responsible-employee-supports.