As members of the University of Arizona community, we share a responsibility to maintain productive working relationships characterized by trust and mutual respect. We demonstrate that commitment by fostering a working and learning environment free from all forms of discrimination, abuse, or harassment.
The University's Nondiscrimination and Anti-harassment Policy prohibits discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information; click HERE for a closer look at the policy. Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment and unwanted sexual conduct of any kind, as prohibited by the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. More information about Title IX is available HERE and HERE.
The Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory has a Diversity and Inclusiveness Committee, made up of Daniel Apai, Gurtina Besla, Serena Kim, Dan Marrone, Don McCarthy (COS Committee Representative), Kelly Merrill (COS Committee Representative), Carolyn Raithel, Marcia Rieke (Chair), and Christina Williams. The Committee Charge and other information can be seen HERE.
The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) is a campus office where anyone may bring concerns or file complaints about discrimination by University employees. If you are aware of conduct by any faculty or staff member that you believe is discriminatory under the Nondiscrimination and Anti-harassmenrt Policy, including harassment or retaliation, please contact OIE by phone at (520) 621-9449 or e-mail without delay. To report discriminatory conduct by students, please contact the Dean of Student Office, by phone (520) 621-7057 or visiting their website. Retaliation against any person for making a complaint or reporting an issue under the Nondiscrimination and Anti-harassment Policy is strictly prohibited.
Of particular concern is that our community continue to do everything we can to improve our support of all victims of harassment and abuse. It is difficult for victims to report what has happened to them, but some find the courage needed to speak up or enter into formal procedures to file complaints -- and when they do, we need to make sure they receive the support and care that they deserve. In addition to supporting the victims, it is the responsibility of all of us to promote a safe and inclusive environment for everyone in our community, to bring apparent abuses to the attention of our community so that actions can be taken. If you have concerns, please bring them to the Observatory Director's attention, or through the options mentioned above and below, bring them to the attention of the University so that action can be taken.
We are not dealing with a small problem. Recently, the results of a major AAU survey of the experiences of undergraduates with sexual assault and sexual misconduct on 27 AAU college campuses were made available (see the Washington Post story, with links to the report, HERE) The UA was one of the institutions that participated in the survey. A shocking 1 in 4 undergraduates that participated in the survey, during the 2014-15 academic year, experienced one or more forms of inappropriate sexual behavior/abuse.