Non-Retaliation Policy

Policy Summary

The George Washington University (“GW” or “university”) is committed to conducting its affairs ethically and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies. This includes compliance with applicable federal and local laws that prohibit retaliation and promote fair treatment of members of the university community who make good-faith reports of potential unethical conduct or violations of laws, regulations, or university policies.

Who is Governed by this Policy 

• Faculty
• Post-Docs
• Staff
• Students

Policy

Under the Code of Ethical Conduct, members of the university community are responsible for reporting good-faith concerns about possible unethical conduct or violations of laws, regulations, or university policies, including but not limited to allegations of discrimination or harassment. Normally, attempts to address or resolve such concerns should be made by contacting the appropriate supervisor or a designated university official. Alternatively, there are various reporting avenues available based on subject matter as well as the opportunity to report anonymously via EthicsPoint.

Retaliation against individuals who make a good-faith report of possible unethical conduct or violations of laws, regulations, or university policies, and/or who provide information or participate in a complaint review process, is prohibited. Retaliation is materially adverse employment or academic action, harassment, intimidation, threats, or coercion, intended to punish or discourage an individual or group of individuals from engaging in protected activity. Retaliatory conduct can occur in person or across electronic platforms (e.g., email or text message communications, video-conferencing, cloud-based collaboration services, or social media, etc.).

The university will review complaints of retaliation, and any substantiated allegations of attempted or actual retaliatory action covered under this policy may subject the violator to disciplinary action.

Reports of any nature that are knowingly false, made with malicious intent, or with reckless disregard for or willful ignorance of facts that would disprove the allegation made are not good-faith reports and may subject the violator to disciplinary action.

Related Information

• Code of Ethical Conduct
• Code of Student Conduct
• Disability Policy
• Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation Policy
• Title IX Sexual Harassment and Related Conduct Policy

Contacts