There are situations that involve unwelcome conduct but have not yet risen to the level of unlawful discrimination. This is often because the conduct is not sufficiently severe or pervasive to constitute harassment (a form of discrimination) under applicable law. Nevertheless, the University provides the following procedures for these situations in an effort to maintain an environment free from unlawful discrimination.
1. Person Subjected to Unwelcome Conduct. Any person who, in good faith, believes he/she is being subjected to unwelcome conduct that, if continued, would rise to the level of unlawful discrimination is encouraged and expected to directly address the situation or seek assistance from others to address the situation in an effort to avoid an incident of unlawful discrimination.
2. Supervisors. Any supervisor who observes or becomes aware of a situation under their control that, if continued, would rise to the level of unlawful discrimination is required to take action to address the situation in an effort to avoid an incident of unlawful discrimination. A situation will be considered “under the control” of a particular supervisor if an involved person is supervised by that supervisor or if the objectionable conduct occurs in an area supervised by that supervisor.
3. Others within University Community. Any person within the University community (staff, faculty, or student) who observes or becomes aware of a situation that, if continued, would rise to the level of unlawful discrimination is encouraged and expected to directly address the situation or seek assistance from others to address the situation in an effort to avoid an incident of unlawful discrimination.
4. Utilization of First Response Intermediary. To facilitate the above activities, the University offers and encourages the utilization of aFirst Response Intermediary (FRI).Any person who, in good faith, believes he/she is a victim of unlawful discrimination is expected and encouraged to either directly address the objectionable behavior with the respondent(s) or notify the University (whichever the person believes is most appropriate in light of the goal of reaching a prompt and equitable resolution at the lowest appropriate level).