What should a staff member do who feels that he/she has been harassed?

If a staff member believes she/he has experienced unlawful harassment by another member of the university community, several options are available to resolve the problem. There are a number of steps that she/he can take in order to personally address (link) the harassment; and support is readily available to help staff members who need or want assistance in regard to appropriately dealing with harassment and making certain that her/his rights are protected.

 

  • Collect and preserve evidence: Keep copies of all documents relevant to your complaint, and make notes of all incidents relevant to the situation – be specific and detailed (who, what, when). It is a good idea to keep this information in a bound notebook.
  • Discuss the matter with the perpetrator: In many cases, the people you work with are not really trying to hurt your feelings or make you angry; they may just not know any better. They may be trying to make a joke or convert you to their point of view. Often, if you privately explain what they have said or done that offended you, and how it made you feel, they will stop. You need to be discreet and speak to them alone.
  • Discuss the matter with your supervisor or Equity Office personnel: If you have a concern or complaint or plan to file a harassment complaint against a co-worker, the first formal conversation should be with your supervisor, if at all possible. If you are considering filing a harassment complaint about your supervisor, your conversation could be with Equity Office personnel. If possible, avoid jumping the chain-of-command. There are many means to reach resolution to conflicts. The Equity Office staff can listen to your concerns and explain the various problem solving means (link with Faculty Problem Resolution page) available at the University.
  • File a complaint: If neither your supervisor nor the Equity Office was helpful, refer to the Policy Prohibiting Unlawful Workplace Harassment (http://www.resourcemanual.appstate.edu/humanresource/policy24.htm) and follow the procedures as directed on how to file a grievance. Most disputes can be resolved through informal means. However, if all of your attempts to work things out in a reasonable manner, via University procedures, have failed, then you have the right to appeal with the Faculty Grievance Hearing Committee.
  • File a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): You may file a complaint with the EEOC at any time during the processing of your complaint with the University. You may file complaints with Appalachian State University and the EEOC simultaneously. Or you may file a complaint with the EEOC after you have exhausted your internal appeals, or at any point in between. Website: eeoc.gov

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