Harassment-Free Workplace

The MBL is committed to maintaining an environment that is free from harassment for all employees and that supports and respects the dignity of all individuals. The MBL will not tolerate any of the following forms of harassment or intimidation.

Sexual Harassment

Acts that constitute sexual harassment include but are not limited to unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

  • submission to or rejection of such advances, requests, or conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or as a basis for employment decisions; or
  • such advances, requests, or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or sexually offensive work environment.

If you feel you have been sexually harassed, you are strongly urged to contact the MBL’s Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator for advice regarding the appropriate action to be taken. A prompt and thorough investigation of all complaints will be conducted, and matters will be kept as confidential as possible. In most cases, resolutions occur through informal means that are satisfactory. However, if a problem cannot be resolved through informal action, more formal action will be necessary.

Because sexual harassment is unlawful, anyone who sexually harasses a member of the MBL community shall be subject to disciplinary action, which may include termination. In addition, disciplinary action will be taken toward anyone who retaliates against someone for reporting or complaining of sexual harassment.

A copy of the MBL’s Sexual Harassment Policy, which is contained in MBL’s Unlawful Harassment Policy, is available in the Grass Reading Room of the MBL Library, the Human Resources Office at 110 Homestead Building, or on the MBL web site.

Discriminatory Harassment

Acts which constitute discriminatory harassment include but are not limited to verbal or physical conduct that degrades, shows hostility or aversion toward, or discriminates toward an individual because of the individual’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetics, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. A copy of the MBL’s Discriminatory Harassment Policy, which is included in MBL’s Unlawful Harassment Policy, is available in the Grass Reading Room of the MBL Library, the Human Resources Office at Room 110, Homestead Building, or on the MBL website.

Intimidation

Acts which constitute intimidation in the workplace include, but are not limited to, verbal, written, or physical behaviors that are threatening or harassing. These acts include assault of any kind. In addition, the possession or use of weapons or firearms is prohibited and will constitute grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination. A copy of the MBL’s Policy on Violence in the Workplace is available in the Grass Reading Room of the MBL Library, the Human Resources Office at 110 Homestead Building, or on the MBL web site.

If you experience or witness any type of sexual harassment, discrimination, or intimidation in the workplace, you should:

  1. promptly and firmly ask the individual to stop and
  2. report the incident to management.

Incidents may be reported verbally or in writing to your supervisor, to the Human Resources Office, or to the MBL’s Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact the MBL’s Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator: eeo@mbl.edu