University adopts harassment/discrimination policy

Statement on Harassment and Discrimination Against Students

Mississippi State University fosters a campus environment that is appreciative of cultural and individual differences and is strongly committed to the ethical and legal principle that each member of the University community enjoys academic freedom and the constitutional right to free speech. The right of free expression and the open exchange of ideas and views are essential, especially in a learning environment, and Mississippi State University vigorously upholds these freedoms. As members of this community, students, faculty, administrators, and staff have the responsibility to respect and not violate the rights of others and to show tolerance for opinions that differ from their own that might otherwise be unacceptable.

However, the value of free expression may be undermined by acts of discrimination or acts of harassment that intimidate, assault the dignity of, devalue, humiliate members of the community or create a hostile campus environment. Discrimination and harassment of any kind result in the loss of self-esteem for the victim and the deterioration of a quality classroom, social, or work environment.

Definitions as used in this statement and procedure:

Harassment means persistent or systematic acts or communications which intimidate, humiliate, and/or deny the dignity and value of an individual for any reason.

The university has established a Harassment Advisory Council to investigate, mediate, and/or negotiate resolutions of complaints. The council, appointed by the president, is comprised of three full-time faculty members appointed in consultation with the chair of the Faculty Council and three students, one of whom shall be an international student. In addition, the assistant vice president of student affairs for cultural diversity and the assistant director of international student services will serve as ex-officio members. Confidentiality will be a priority for the committee.

The names and phone numbers of HAC members can be obtained from bulletin boards, the Office of Dean of Students, the Office of Affirmative Action, the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, and the Office of Human Resources Management.

All incidents should be reported promptly. To file a complaint with the HAC, a Harassment/Discrimination Complaint form should be completed by the complainant. The form can be obtained from any HAC member or from one of the offices listed above.

Complaints will be shared with the HAC, which will refer sexual harassment and unlawful discrimination complaints to the appropriate channels. For all other complaints, the HAC will appoint a member(s) to investigate the complaint and to follow up with the complainant within a two-week period.

A resolution will be sought informally with the complainant and/or with the complainant and the alleged offender. Findings and recommendations will be reported to the appropriate administrator(s). The university will make every reasonable and good faith effort to protect those who file good faith complaints from reprisal or retaliation. Those who file fraudulent or bad faith complaints will be subject to disciplinary action for violating the Student Code of Conduct, in accordance with procedures in the MSU Bulldog Handbook.

No action will be taken by the HAC or the university without the consent of the complainant, except when required by law or by Board of Trustees or university policy.

Serious offenses such as intentional or repeated race-related offenses or other types of harassment may result in corrective actions including: termination; changes in instructional, work, and living arrangements; suspension or expulsion; or other actions.

The HAC will make annual reports to the Office of Affirmative Action. The number, general nature, and resolution of complaints will be published. Strict confidentiality regarding names of parties and departments shall be maintained.