September 18,1998 number 1843
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA  AT CHAPEL HILL Office of the Chancellor
Michael Hooker  Chancellor		103 South Building Campus Box 9100 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-9100 (919) 962-1365 FAX: (919) 962-1647

MEMORANDUM
 

TO:	Deans, Directors and Department Chairs
FROM:	Michael Hooker
SUBJECT:	Policies and Procedures Concerning Sexual and Racial Harassment

      I am transmitting by separate letter to all students, faculty, and staff members copies of our Policies regarding sexual and racial harassment. I want to emphasize not only the importance of these Policies, but also the responsibility of each individual to contribute to work and learning environments free of these kinds of discrimination.

        I am enclosing a copy of both Policies, and I ask that each of you take time to read them. I also ask that you take whatever steps seem necessary to enhance understanding in your department of what constitutes harassing behaviors; what expectations the University has for respectful and appropriate interactions between faculty, staff, and students; and what resources are available to assist with resolving related concerns.

        I would also like to remind you of your special responsibility for conducting timely internal investigations of allegations of sexual or racial harassment. When allegations are received or when you have knowledge of conduct that may involve harassment, prompt response is essential. Information relevant to conducting investigations at an informal level of resolution can be found under Administrative Review Procedures in both Policies.

      The Policies also require that a written report of these internal investigations (Administrative Review) be sent to your Dean, Director, or Department Chair and to the Sexual Harassment Officer or Equal Opportunity/ADA Officer, as appropriate, whether or not there is a finding of harassment. I remind you, in addition, that after completing any investigation of harassment allegations but before deciding on corrective action, if appropriate, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with any previous relevant findings arising under these Policies. Information about previous relevant findings may be obtained from the Sexual Harassment Office or the Equal Opportunity/ADA Office.

        Questions concerning these Policies may be addressed to the University Sexual Harassment Officer (962-3026), the Human Resources Counseling Service (962-2656), the Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources (962-1554), the Equal Opportunity/ADA Officer (966-3576), the Assistant to the Chancellor and Senior University Counsel (962-1219), or your Dean, Director, or Department Chair. Individuals in these offices are prepared to help any member of this community understand the Policies and what options for resolution are available if there is a perception of harassment in connection with work or study at the University.

        All of us can celebrate being part of a community which formally embraces ideals that support and sustain a safe, civil, and equitable environment. Neither the problems of sexual or racial harassment nor the negative consequences for failing to deal appropriately with instances of harassment will be eliminated from our community unless commitment to the spirit as well as the letter of these Policies is vigorous and pervasive throughout the University. I appreciate your efforts to foster such commitment.

Office of Human Resources
Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures Web Address:

http://www.ais.unc.edu/hr/