1. Policy Statement
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) is committed to maintaining an environment that upholds mutual respect, dignity, and equality among all members of its community. The University aims to ensure that its campuses are free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct at every level of the institution.
Mutual respect among faculty, students, staff, and administrators is a cornerstone of the educational process. BAU provides a safe and healthy learning and working environment for every individual, regardless of race, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or other legally protected characteristics. In line with the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey and applicable international agreements, BAU ensures the protection of these rights for all members of its community.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all members of the BAU community, including students, faculty, administrative staff, contractors, vendors, visitors, and other third parties affiliated with the University. It covers all forms of discrimination and harassment, whether sexual or non-sexual in nature, occurring on university premises, during university-sponsored activities, or in off-campus incidents that have an impact on the University’s learning or working environment.
3. Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment
Discrimination or harassment based on legally protected characteristics is strictly prohibited. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, race, gender, gender identity or expression, skin color, creed, religion, age, nationality, ethnic origin, disability status, veteran or military status, pregnancy, genetic traits, marital status, and citizenship. This list is illustrative and not exhaustive.
Harassment under this policy may be sexual or non-sexual in nature. Examples of non-sexual harassment include verbal abuse, psychological harassment (mobbing), threats, or any conduct that creates an intimidating or hostile environment based on a protected characteristic.
4. Harassment-Free Environment
The University guarantees an environment in which individuals feel safe from harassment in all its forms. Harassment includes conduct that demeans, intimidates, or threatens an individual and may be verbal, non-verbal, or physical.
BAU prohibits discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and retaliation against any member of the University community or associated third parties. Such acts will be treated as misconduct, and sanctions will be imposed on those found responsible.
5. Reporting Channels
Reports under this policy should be made as follows:
Reports may be made in person, in writing, or via official University email. All reports must be handled confidentially in accordance with applicable laws and University policy.
6. Investigation and Corrective Measures
BAU may investigate any potential violation of this policy regardless of whether a formal complaint has been filed and will take corrective action where necessary. Relevant units and administrators are required to handle such matters swiftly, impartially, and in compliance with applicable procedures.
If a violation is confirmed, BAU will implement prompt and effective remedies to stop the behavior, prevent recurrence, and address its effects.
7. Sanctions and Applicable Regulations
8. Support and Confidentiality
BAU recognizes that individuals who experience harassment or discrimination may require confidential support. The University provides access to confidential resources, counseling, and guidance through relevant offices. In sexual harassment and assault cases, the Support Unit serves as the primary confidential contact point.
9. Prohibition of Retaliation
Retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports a concern or participates in an investigation under this policy is strictly prohibited. Retaliation can include threats, intimidation, harassment, adverse academic decisions such as lowering grades, or adverse employment actions such as demotion, reduction in pay, or termination.
BAU ensures that no student, staff member, or faculty member will face educational or professional disadvantages because of their involvement in reporting or investigating incidents under this policy.
10. Definitions
Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Assault Unit
Bahçeşehir University made a declaration in December 2019 to pursue institutional studies on gender equality and anti-harassment, especially in terms of sexual harassment and workplace violence, and prevention of all kinds of discrimination.
Following this declaration, as of October 2020, a group of expert BAU faculty members started to work with the aim of bringing equality and inclusion-based approaches in all university-run operations. We are happy to announce that BAU Equality and Inclusion Committee (BAU EQUAL) has started developing policies and procedures to prevent incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based violence, as well as workplace violence and discrimination-based violence.
BAU EQUAL, so far, has examined national and international models to determine the steps of creating a non-violent campus and an inclusive learning/working environment. In this regard, the Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention/Response Unit has been established, and any BAU member (academics, administrative staff, students, staff) can contact the unit in case of being the victim or witness of gender-based violence, discrimination, sexual or psychological violence.
Created: 2022
Updated: 2024
EN
