Policies and Statements

1. Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Policy: This policy defines key terms, gives examples of covered conduct, discusses confidentiality, and provides guidance on reporting sexual misconduct throughout the University.

2. Workplace Violence Prevention Policy: Prohibits violent behavior, physical attacks, verbal or physical threats of violence, physical intimidation, and stalking and property damage, and describes procedures for reporting such situations.

3.Policy on Consensual Relationships with Students: Applies to relationships between students and the faculty, staff, or other affiliates who supervise students.

4. BU Code of Ethical Conduct: Boston University trustees, officers, and employees are expected to undertake their responsibilities on the University’s behalf with diligence and professionalism and to comply with the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and fairness.

5. EthicsPoint: Confidential reporting hotline.

A. BU Statements

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. Members of the American Association of Geographers recognize that the conduct of geographic research and analysis, as well as the transmission of geographic theories, concepts, and information, involves a wide variety of ethical considerations. Careful, active examination of those considerations is likely to promote professionalism and courtesy in interactions among geographers and to enhance the positive impacts of the research, teaching, and service undertaken by geographers. The strength of this statement rests on the discussion and reflection it generates, and the careful approach to professional activities it encourages.
2. The purpose of the American Geophysical Union is to promote discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Scientific integrity and ethics are fundamental to scientific advancement and science cannot flourish without the respectful and equitable treatment of all those engaged in the scientific community. The AGU Scientific Integrity and Professional Ethics Policy is a set of principles and practices for professional behavior regarding the practice, learning, training, publishing, and communication of science which governs all AGU members, staff, volunteers, and non-members participating in AGU sponsored programs and activities.
3. The Ecological Society of America is dedicated to the science and study of ecology. The society welcomes and encourages participation by all individuals regardless of age, culture, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental difference, politics, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or subculture. We strive to cultivate a society built on mentorship, encouragement, tolerance and mutual respect, thereby engendering a welcoming environment for all. Ecologists believe in the need for interdisciplinary study, both in terms of disciplines and participants. We believe in biodiversity both in terms of ecosystems and membership. We will vigorously and proactively reject prejudice and stereotyping wherever it is encountered in our profession. ESA further promotes diversity in all areas of activity, including fostering diversity in membership, leadership, committees, staff, outreach, public engagement, recruitment, and all other areas of societal activity.

Global events often generate substantial debate and discussion on university campuses. Universities have and must continue to serve as spaces that encourage the free exchange of diverse perspectives. However, as online platforms increasingly serve as channels for such discourse, we note with concern a significant increase in politically motivated harassment of students, faculty, and staff, including members of our department. This includes doxxing campaigns that seek to intimidate individuals expressing political viewpoints by identifying their personal information to online audiences without their consent.

We condemn such incidents in the strongest possible terms and offer our full support for members of our community who are suffering distress because of this online harassment. As a department that develops strategies for a sustainable future, we fully support our students, staff, and faculty in their efforts to pursue that future in its many forms.

We encourage members of our community to continue supporting each other’s mental and physical well-being, even through disagreement, and to uphold a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment. We encourage anyone affected by online harassment and/or difficult global events to take advantage of the full resources that Boston University offers, including Behavioral Medicine, Crisis Counseling, the University Chaplains Office, the Faculty & Staff Assistance Office, and BU Police. Earth and Environment students, staff, and faculty are also welcome to contact Department Chair and/or DEI Committee Chair for support.