Beirut Arab University Admissions and Employment Non-Discrimination Policy – Statement

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Policies-and-Procedures

Beirut Arab University is committed to providing an educational and employment environment that values individuals of diverse backgrounds who can advance the institution’s Seventh-day Adventist educational mission and support a learning and workplace setting free from harassment and unlawful discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, the University expects all University employees and students to conform to the requirements of federal and state law as well as standards of conduct mandated by the institution concerning discrimination and harassment matters.

Therefore, Beirut Arab University has put in place the following Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation policy in order to provide an educational and employment environment where no unlawful discrimination shall occur in any of our programs or activities and in order to promote fair treatment, equality and equity.

It is Beirut Arab University’s commitment that no unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, shall occur on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age (over 40), disability, veteran status, and genetic information, and any other classification protected by state or federal law in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates. Complaints of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation will be handled by the Office of Human Resources.

All employees, students and affiliated third parties are expected to assume responsibility for maintaining a work and learning environment that is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation. The University encourages individuals subjected to or who witness any form of unlawful discrimination and harassment or retaliatory conduct arising from complaints that violate this policy – to promptly report such behaviors and incidents to their supervisor and or the Office of Human Resources, so that the conduct can be addressed and resolved immediately. Supervisors are required to promptly report conduct that violates this policy to the Office of Human Resources. The Office of Human Resources is committed to responding to alleged violations of this policy in a timely and fair manner and to taking appropriate action aimed at ending the prohibited conduct.

Policy of Protection for Complaints Discrimination and Retaliation - Applicability

This policy applies to all members of the Beirut Arab University community, including students, employees and affiliated third parties.

For the purposes of this policy, employees include temporary employees, student employees, part-time and full-time faculty, adjunct instructors, and all members of Beirut Arab University staff.

Affiliated third parties may include, but are not limited to, independent contractors, volunteers who perform work for the University, vendors, alumni, and guests or visitors to the University.

This policy pertains to acts of prohibited conduct committed by or against students, employees, and third parties when:

• the conduct occurs on the campus or other property owned or controlled by the University; or
• the conduct occurs in the course of university-related business travel or off- campus programs, such as (but not limited to) domestic or international academic programs, field trips, study abroad, internship, work-related conferences, etc...
• This policy also applies to behavior conducted online, including via email. Postings on blogs, web pages, social media sites, and other similar online postings can subject an individual or group to allegations of violations of this policy. The University does not regularly search for this information, but action may be taken by the University if and when such information is brought to the attention of the University.

Policy of Protection for Complaints Discrimination and Retaliation - Members of the University community have the right to:

• a work and academic environment free from unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
• file a complaint of discrimination, harassment or retaliation. Individuals are encouraged to report inappropriate conduct immediately and, whenever possible, to put the complaint or concern in writing.
• a full, impartial and prompt investigation into allegations of conduct that would violate this policy;
• be timely informed of appropriate information related to the outcome of an investigation either as a complainant or a respondent in the investigation.
• be free from retaliation or reprisal after filing a complaint or participating in the complaint process.
• file a complaint directly with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other appropriate state or federal agencies.

Policy of Protection for Complaints Discrimination and Retaliation - Retaliation

As used in this policy, retaliation is defined as any adverse action taken against an individual for reporting, providing information, exercising one’s rights or responsibilities under this policy, or otherwise being involved in the process of responding to, investigating, or addressing allegations of discrimination and harassment. Retaliatory actions, such as intimidation, threats, or coercion against any individual for having engaged in the above actions, will be addressed by the Office of Human Resources. Individuals who engage in the actions discussed in this section are subject to disciplinary action that may include, but are not limited to, written warnings, suspension, termination of employment, exclusion, expulsion, or dismissal from the University.

Anyone who is aware of possible retaliation, or has other concerns regarding the response to a discrimination and or harassment complaint, should report such concerns to the Office of Human Resources who will ensure that the matter is investigated, as well as take appropriate actions in a fair and impartial manner.

Policy of Protection for Complaints Discrimination and Retaliation - Confidentiality

The University will treat inquiries and complaints about prohibited discrimination, harassment, or retaliation as confidential to the extent possible, in accordance with the complaint procedures referenced herein. In some circumstances, the University may be required to act on information it has received even if the person providing the information chooses not to pursue a complaint.