1. Introduction and Commitment

The University of Chittagong is deeply committed to fostering a safe, respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment for all members of its community, including students, faculty, staff, visitors, contractors, and anyone associated with the university. The university firmly believes that such an environment is essential for academic excellence, personal growth, and the well-being of its community. Harassment and discrimination to anyone are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated in any form by any university stakeholder. This policy reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to upholding these values and ensuring compliance with Bangladesh’s applicable laws and regulations. This policy aligns with the university’s commitment to ethical conduct and responsible practices.

1. Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to all members of the University of Chittagong community, including but not limited to:

• Students
• Faculty members (permanent, contractual, and visiting)
• Staff members (academic and administrative)
• Visitors
• Contractors
• Volunteers
• Individuals participating in university-sponsored events or activities
• Alumni in their interactions within the university premises or during university-related events online or offline

This policy covers conduct on university premises, at university-sponsored events (regardless of location), online, and in any other context where individuals act as members of the university community or when such conduct affects the university environment. This is consistent with the broad scope applied in other university policies.

III. Definitions

For this policy, the following definitions shall apply:

• Discrimination: Any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on any protected characteristic (as defined below) that has the purpose or effect of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil, or any other field.
• Harassment: Any unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical, written, or electronic, that is based on any protected characteristic (as defined below) and that has the purpose or effect of:
  • Creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for an individual.
  • Unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic performance, employment, or participation in university activities.
• Sexual Harassment: A specific form of harassment involving unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, physical, or electronic conduct of a sexual nature when:
  • Submission to such conduct is either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s academic standing, employment, or participation in university activities.
  • Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting that individual.
  • Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic performance, employment, or participation in university activities or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.
• Bullying: Offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting behavior; abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate, or injure the recipient.
• Victimization: Detrimental treatment directed at someone who has reported harassment or discrimination or who has assisted someone else in reporting such behavior.
• Protected Characteristics include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, socioeconomic background, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This list aims to be comprehensive to ensure inclusivity.

1. Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct is strictly prohibited under this policy:

• Discrimination against any member of the university community based on any protected characteristic.
• Harassment of any university community member based on any protected characteristic, including sexual harassment.
• Bullying directed at any member of the university community.
• Victimization of any individual who reports harassment or discrimination provides information in connection with a report or otherwise participates in the investigation or resolution of a complaint under this policy.
• Retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports or opposes conduct they believe violates this policy or participates in any related process.

1. Reporting Procedures

The University of Chittagong is committed to providing multiple and accessible avenues for reporting incidents of harassment or discrimination. Any university community member who believes they have experienced or witnessed conduct that violates this policy is encouraged to report it promptly.

Reports can be made to one or more of the following:

• The Chairman/Director of the Department/Institute: As outlined in the existing policy.
• Designated Anti-Harassment Officer: Student advisors appointed within each Faculty/Institute will provide initial support and guidance. Their contact information will be widely publicized.
• The University Anti-Harassment Committee: This committee will investigate and address complaints under this policy. Contact information for the committee and its members will be readily available on the university website and other official channels.
• Complaint boxes and an anonymous complaints filing portal on the university website.

All reports should include the following information, to the extent possible:

• The name and contact information of the person making the report.
• The name(s) of the individual(s) involved in the alleged incident(s).
• A detailed description of the alleged conduct, including dates, times, and locations.
• The names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Any other relevant information or documentation.

The university is committed to ensuring the reporting process is straightforward, accessible, and conducted with sensitivity and respect for all parties involved.

1. Investigation and Resolution

Upon receiving a report of harassment or discrimination, the designated authority (e.g., the Anti-Harassment Committee or a designated investigator) will initiate a prompt, thorough, impartial, and confidential investigation. The investigation process will include:

• Interviewing the person making the report.
• Interviewing the alleged respondent(s).
• Interviewing any identified witnesses.
• Reviewing any relevant documentation or evidence.

The university will strive to complete the investigation within a reasonable timeframe, keeping all parties informed of the progress where appropriate and permissible.

Following the completion of the investigation, the investigating authority will determine whether a violation of this policy has occurred. The decision will be based on a preponderance of the evidence standard.

VII. Disciplinary Actions

When this policy is violated, the university will take appropriate disciplinary action, which may vary depending on the severity and nature of the breach and the individual’s status within the university community. Such actions may include, but are not limited to:

• For Students: Warning, mandatory educational or counseling programs, suspension, expulsion.
• For Faculty and Staff: Warning, mandatory training or counseling, performance improvement plan, suspension, termination of employment.
• For Visitors, Contractors, and Others: Access to university premises or activities may be restricted, and contracts or affiliations may be terminated.

The university reserves the right to take any other appropriate action deemed necessary to address the violation and prevent its recurrence.

VIII. Prevention and Awareness

The University of Chittagong is committed to preventing harassment and discrimination through proactive measures. These measures will include:

• Regularly communicating and publicizing this policy through the university website, handbooks, orientation programs, and other channels.
• Conducting mandatory training and awareness programs for students, faculty, and staff on anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, related issues, and bystander intervention.
• Integrating principles of respect and inclusivity into university curricula, programs, and activities.
• Promoting a culture of respect and understanding through university-wide initiatives and campaigns.

1. Support for Individuals Affected

The university is committed to providing support and resources to individuals who have experienced harassment or discrimination. This may include:

• Providing information about reporting options and procedures.
• Offering access to counseling services and mental health support.
• Facilitating academic or administrative accommodations as appropriate and feasible.
• Providing information about relevant external resources and support organizations.

1. Confidentiality and Privacy

The university will make every effort to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of all parties involved in the reporting and investigation process to the greatest possible extent, consistent with the need to conduct a thorough and fair investigation and take appropriate action.

1. Regular Review and Amendment

This policy will be reviewed every two years, or as necessary, to ensure it remains practical, relevant, and aligned with evolving legal and social standards university needs and best practices. The review process will involve consultation with key stakeholders, including student, faculty, and staff representatives. The university reserves the right to amend this policy at any time.

XII. Compliance with Laws

This policy is intended to comply with all applicable laws and regulations of Bangladesh concerning anti-discrimination and anti-harassment. The university will seek legal counsel to ensure ongoing compliance.