Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

Bahçeşehir University (BAU) is committed to maintaining an environment that promotes and encourages appropriate conduct and respect for individual values among everyone. Accordingly, BAU is committed to implementing this Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and its Complaint Procedures at all levels in order to create an environment free from discrimination, harassment, retaliation and/or sexual assault.

Mutual respect among faculty members, students, staff and administrators is an indispensable element of the educational process, and the utmost care must be taken to ensure that it is never eroded. BAU aims to provide a safe and healthy learning and working environment for every member of the University community, without discrimination based on race, religion, disability or gender. BAU acts in accordance with the provision of the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye stating that "the rights of every individual are recognized without discrimination on grounds of language, race, color, sex, political opinion, philosophical belief, religion, sect or any such grounds."

Discrimination or harassment based on race, sex and/or gender identity or expression, color, sect, religion, age, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, veteran or military status, gender, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, citizenship or any other legally protected status is unlawful. Such conduct harms the character and purpose of the University. Any such discrimination or harassment violates BAU policy and will not be tolerated.

BAU is committed to providing an educational and employment environment that values individuals of diverse characteristics and backgrounds and supports a learning and working environment free from harassment and discrimination. In line with this commitment, BAU expects all University employees and students to comply with the requirements of the law as well as with the standards of conduct regarding discrimination and harassment established by BAU.

BAU promises a living and learning environment free from harassment, in which individuals can feel healthy and safe. Harassment means that an individual is subjected to aggressive and threatening behavior. Harassment and assault are violations of human rights and are punishable offenses. BAU is committed to a university system in which no discrimination is practiced on the basis of race, gender, ethnic identity, citizenship status, religion, age, disability or other characteristics.

BAU prohibits discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), sexual assault and retaliation against students, employees, interns, suppliers and other third parties doing business with the University. Such conduct is considered a form of employee misconduct, and sanctions will be imposed on those who engage in it. Any employee who believes they have been subjected to discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), retaliation or sexual assault prohibited by this policy, or who witnesses such conduct, must report the matter immediately to the relevant units (Human Resources Directorate, Legal Unit, Dean of Students Office, Sexual Harassment Prevention Unit). Although there is no time limit for filing a complaint under this policy, the passage of time may make it more difficult to investigate and resolve an incident fairly and fully. Complainants are therefore encouraged to file their complaints as soon as possible after the incident. The University may investigate any conduct that violates this policy, even in the absence of a complaint, and may take corrective action where appropriate.The relevant administrators and units are also expected to address and resolve the matter promptly.

BAU has implemented its Anti-Discrimination Policy in order to provide an educational and employment environment free from discrimination in all its programs and activities, and to promote fair treatment, equality and equity. Within this scope, the Bahçeşehir University Equality and Inclusion Commission has been established and carries out monitoring and reporting activities. In addition, all employees, students and affiliated third parties are responsible for maintaining a working and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment.

This policy is designed to provide a fair and reliable procedure for determining whether the policy has been violated. If a violation is identified, the University will implement prompt and effective remedies designed to end the harassment, prevent its recurrence and eliminate its effects. In the case of BAU employees, violations of this harassment policy will be considered employee misconduct and will be subject to institutional sanctions, including possible termination of employment. 

There are designated units where complaints of discrimination, harassment and sexual assault are evaluated. These are the Bahçeşehir University Support Unit Against Sexual Assault and Harassment, the relevant units within the faculties, the Human Resources Office and the Legal Counsel's Office.

BAU understands that a person reporting harassment may wish to talk about the incident with the assurance that the discussion will remain confidential. Various support resources are available to complainants on a confidential basis. The University will strive to protect confidentiality to the fullest extent consistent with applicable laws and the need to resolve issues effectively and fairly, and to protect the university community.

Victims have the right to report harassment in good faith without fear of retaliation. Retaliation includes threats, intimidation or reprisals. Retaliation occurs when adverse action is taken against a person because that person has engaged in an activity protected by law or by this policy. BAU strictly prohibits anyone from retaliating against a person who reports harassment, assists someone in making a report, or participates in any stage of the investigation or resolution of a report.

Definitions:  

Harassment 

Under this policy, harassment is defined as verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or hatred toward a person because of their race, belief, color, religion, national origin, sex or gender identity, age, disability or sexual orientation.

Harassing conduct includes, but is not limited to: epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, threatening, intimidating or hostile acts, and the distribution, in person or via social media or other electronic means, of written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or hatred.

Retaliation  

Any adverse employment or educational action taken against a person because that person has participated in a complaint or in an investigation of discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct.

Sexual Harassmentis a specific form of harassment and constitutes discrimination based on sex. Allegations of sexual harassment or sexual violence are addressed separately in the University's Sexual Misconduct Policy. Please refer to that policy for additional information.

This policy was established in 2021 and updated in 2022.