Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy

Policy Statement

In alignment with the core values of An-Najah National University, any form of harassment or discrimination is strictly prohibited. The University is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is treated with dignity. We strongly encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences harassment or discrimination to promptly report it to the appropriate management personnel. The Office of Human Resources, in collaboration with relevant supervisors and union/association representatives, will thoroughly investigate all formal complaints. The University guarantees that all individuals involved in a complaint will be safeguarded from any form of intimidation, retaliation, or reprisal.

Purpose

An-Najah National University is dedicated to maintaining an environment free from harassment and discrimination. This policy aims to protect the human rights of all members of our learning community—including employees, students, clients, contractors, and visitors—by ensuring a fair, respectful, and secure environment. We are committed to providing a transparent and safe process for reporting and addressing complaints, thereby promoting a culture of respect and equality across the University.

Scope

This policy applies to all members of An-Najah University, including faculty, staff, students, contractors, and visitors. It covers conduct that occurs on any of the University’s campuses or in connection with University-sponsored programs and activities. Moreover, it governs any behavior by University affiliates that contributes to or perpetuates a hostile work, educational, or living environment for any member of the University community.

Principles

1. Timeliness and Resolution: Complaints of harassment or discrimination will be addressed as swiftly as possible. The focus will be on resolving inappropriate behavior at the earliest opportunity, involving only the relevant parties in the process to maintain confidentiality and integrity.
2. Rights and Representation: Both the complainant and the respondent have the right to be accompanied by a union/association representative or a support person of their choice during any steps of the complaint resolution process. This ensures that both parties are supported and that the process is fair and transparent.
3. Reasonable Person Standard: The "Reasonable Person Standard" will be applied to assess whether the alleged behavior constitutes harassment or discrimination, ensuring that decisions are based on a standard of fairness and common sense.
4. Confidentiality: All parties are required to maintain confidentiality throughout the process, including all details related to consultations, complaints, and resolutions. The identities of the involved parties will be protected to the fullest extent possible.
5. False Complaints and Disciplinary Actions: If a complaint is found to be false or made with malicious intent, the individual responsible will face disciplinary actions, which may include termination of employment or expulsion. Similarly, any interference with the complaint process or retaliation against those involved will result in severe disciplinary measures.
6. Withdrawal of Complaints: The complainant has the right to withdraw their complaint at any stage of the process. However, the University reserves the right to continue investigating if the matter is deemed to have broader implications for the University community.

Effective Date: October 12, 2016

Review Date: Jun 19, 2024