8.325 Harassment and/or Discrimination; Prevention and Compliant Process

Question 1

What is the overall department policy in regards to Harassment and/or Discrimination; Prevention and Complaint Process?

Answer 1

It is the policy of this department employees have the right to work in an environment free of harassment and/or discrimination.

Employment Diversity Section, within the IAB, is responsible for training.

Question 2

What are the responsibilities of a supervisor to prevent acts of harrassment?

Answer 2

Every supervisor has the responsibility to prevent acts of harassment and/or discrimination, which includes:

1. Monitoring the work environment on a daily basis for sign harassment/discrimination may be occurring.
2. Refraining from participation in, or encouragement of, actions which could be perceived as harassment/discrimination (verbal or otherwise).
3. Counseling all members on the types of behavior prohibited and the procedures for reporting and resolving complaints or harassment/discrimination.
4. Stopping any observed acts which may be considered harassment, and taking appropriate steps to intervene, whether or not the involved members are within their line of supervision.
5. With the recommendation of EDS, taking action to limit the work contact between two (2) members where there has been a compliant of harassment, pending investigation.
6. Reporting all complaints of harassments and/or discrimination to EDS, whether witnessed or reported, formally or informally. Keeping information confidential and only discussing with others if advised to do so by EDS and/or the Office of General Counsel.

Question 3

What will a supervisor do in response to a harassment complaint?

Answer 3

Supervisors/person contacted will:

1. Assist any member with a complaint of discrimination or harassment in documenting and filing the complaint with EDS.

Question 4

What will supervisors do when they receive religious accommodations requests?

Answer 4

Supervisor will:

1. Notify the EDS director of the request for a religious accommodation by a member in a timely manner to begin the formal interactive process. (Religious Accommodation Request 2018 Form/Intranet)