Diversity and Inclusion Resources

This collection of university and professional organization resources and policies is updated regularly. The Archaeology Program welcomes suggestions for additions at archaeo@bu.edu.

I. BU policies & Title IX

II. Statements on diversity, inclusion, equity from BU and archaeological professional organizations

A. BU Statements

Boston University is committed to fostering an environment that is free from all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault and sexual harassment. In support of that commitment, BU takes steps to increase awareness of such misconduct, eliminate its occurrence on campus, provide support for survivors, diligently investigate all reports of sexual misconduct, and deal fairly and firmly with offenders. Creating a safe campus environment and a culture of respect is the shared responsibility of all members of the BU community, individually and collectively.
As described in more detail below, in this Policy “sexual misconduct” is intended to refer to a broad range of conduct focused on sex and/or gender that may or may not be sexual in nature. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, and relationship violence are all forms of sexual misconduct prohibited by law and this Policy.
Boston University recognizes that sexual assault, harassment, discrimination and other forms of sexual misconduct can have a profound impact on a person’s personal, academic, and work life. The University encourages anyone coping with such a situation to seek help and support. Students who are uncertain of their options or simply need help should call the Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center (“SARP”) at (617) 353-7277. Faculty and staff may contact the Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (“FSAO”) at (617) 353-5381 for assistance.
Boston University is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment free of all forms of discrimination and harassment for all members of the University community. The University prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service, or because of marital, parental, veteran status, or any other protected class.

B. BU Equal Opportunity

Boston University is committed to promoting and maintaining a safe and secure working environment for its faculty and staff, employees, students and visitors. Violent behavior, threats of violence, or physical intimidation will not be tolerated in the Boston University workplace. If such conduct occurs, it should be promptly reported to the proper authority and investigated. The University will take appropriate action in response to reports of such conduct. Employees found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include immediate dismissal. In addition, the University may assist in pursuing civil penalties, criminal penalties, or other appropriate action against the offender. Student offenders will be subject to the Code of Student Responsibilities in addition to this policy.
Prohibited conduct in the Boston University workplace includes violent behavior, physical attacks, verbal or physical threats of violence, physical intimidation, stalking, and property damage committed by or against any faculty or staff, or any postdoctoral, graduate, or undergraduate student employed at the University.

C. Professional Societies

The Society for American Archaeology has a code of conduct (excerpt follows): Everyone is entitled to a safe and harassment-free experience when participating in SAA activities. The SAA understands that participation at its events is an important part of career development and affirms the values of respect, equity, multicultural pluralism, and nondiscrimination at these gatherings. Harassment harms the individual. Harassment also damages the SAA community by discouraging participation in SAA events and compromising the exchange of ideas that is at the center of the SAA’s mission to promote and stimulate interest and research in the archaeology of the Americas and beyond. Because of the importance of the meeting to career development and concerns at the Society about inclusion of marginalized groups in the Society’s events, the SAA has elected in this Policy to give priority to survivors of harassment and assault and to ensure their ability to participate freely in SAA events.
The Archaeological Institute of America and Society for Classical Studies have set a professional conduct policy (excerpt follows): The AIA and the SCS and their members seek to create an atmosphere at their Annual Meeting in which participants may learn, network, and converse with colleagues in an environment of mutual respect. The AIA and SCS do not seek to limit the areas of inquiry of their members or to curtail robust scholarly debate, rather, the aim is to promote critical and open inquiry free of personal harassment, prejudice, and aggression. Everyone who attends the Annual Meeting is entitled to an experience free from harassment, as well as any kind of bullying or intimidation.
The Society of Ethnobiology has set a code of conduct (excerpts follow): SoE is committed to ensuring its conferences, meetings, and events foster thoughtful and productive exchanges of information and ideas in a safe and inclusive setting that is free from harassment, discrimination, or violence of any kind. All meeting participants are to be treated with respect and consideration. We encourage members to be mindful of their behavior and reflective on their interactions with others. Registration for Society meetings and events is considered explicit agreement to abide by this Code of Conduct.SoE is devoted to creating a welcoming community where everyone can thrive in their ethnobiological pursuits. The Society intends that conferences, meetings and events are fora where individuals may share their experiences and beliefs while they respect the perspectives and values of others. The Society will strive to hold meetings and events in inclusive spaces by choosing venues that do not discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, marital choices, health, epistemological backgrounds and approaches, or other personal choices of participants. Members are encouraged to be welcoming and hospitable to Elders, students, new members, and caregivers.
The Register of Professional Archaeologists is the organization that establishes and enforces ethical conduct by archaeologists. Their code of conduct and standards of research performance can be found here.

Diversity and Inclusion Resources

I. BU policies & Title IX

II. Statements on diversity, inclusion, equity from BU and archaeological professional organizations

A. BU Statements

B. BU Equal Opportunity

C. Professional Societies

III. What to do when harassment occurs

BU Title IX Reporting

IV. BU resources and support for Title IX, harassment, and assault

V. Other resources for community-building and safety

VI. In the media

Additional Diversity and Inclusion Resources