If you ever are in immediate danger or if there has been physical harm, please notify Public Safety immediately at x3636.

Responding to Harassment Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

American University provides equal opportunity for all qualified persons in its educational programs and activities. It also seeks to be a community in which freedom of expression and vigorous debate are valued and provided to all its members free of all forms of discrimination or harassment, including but not limited to exploitation, coercion, and intimidation. To achieve these goals, the university has adopted a policy prohibiting discrimination and discriminatory harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, and other bases under federal or local laws. If you witness or experience harassment or discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, we encourage you to report the situation to the appropriate campus units (see information below).

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally Resource Center can serve as an entry point to other campus units as well as providing a completely confidential place where you can discuss your concerns, obtain information, and get advice or help in pursuing informal or formal resolution of your grievances. Additionally, the center keeps records of reported cases of harassment and discrimination on campus, so we encourage you to notify the Resource Center of past or current incidents regardless of whether or not you choose to report the incidents to other campus units.

American University is committed to the voluntary, expeditious, and informal settlement of disputes through discussion. Informal procedures may include addressing the alleged harasser directly (in person, in writing, or in a facilitated meeting) or scheduling education sessions in the residence hall or campus unit where the behavior occurred. Informal complaint processes can also provide a mechanism where complaints can often be resolved while maintaining anonymity or confidentiality. If the complaint is not resolved informally or if you prefer a formal procedure from the outset, you may file a written formal complaint with the appropriate university official or office. If the behavior is anonymous, you should still report the incident(s) to the Resource Center and to the appropriate campus units so the incident(s) can be recorded and investigated.

Please remember to notify the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally Resource Center x3347 201 Mary Graydon Center

Campus Resources

• Public Safety x2525
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Resource Center x3347
• Dean of Students x3300
• Dean of Academic Affairs x2125
• Executive Director of Human Resources x2607
• Housing/Dining x3370
• Judicial Affairs/Mediation Services x3328
  

If the alleged harasser is a student in the residence halls, notify a Resident Assistant or the Resident Director If the alleged harasser is a student or student group, notify the Dean of Students If the alleged harasser is a faculty member, notify the Dean of Academic Affairs If the alleged harasser is a staff member, notify the Executive Director of Human Resources