DEPARTMENTAL CODE OF ETHICS FOR HUMAN RELATIONS
(Approved by Faculty, May 7, 1991; Amended by Faculty, December 10, 1991, November 9, 1993).

1. The Department affirms the University's commitment and policies to provide a professional and educational environment that is free from discriminatory, inappropriate and disrespectful conduct or communication.
   
   
2. The Department prohibits any form of harassment (sexual, racial, and otherwise) and affirms that such behavior will not be tolerated.
   
   The University defines sexual harassment as follows (other types of harassment are not defined by the University as of this date): Any attempt to coerce a person into a sexual relationship or to subject a person to unwanted sexual attention or to punish a refusal to comply with sexual demands. Sexual harassment may consist of requests or demands for sexual favors, unwelcome physical advances, or conduct (verbal or physical) of a sexual nature that is intimidating, demeaning, hostile, or offensive.
   
   
3. The Department believes that potential for serious negative consequences exists in a romantic and/or sexual relationship involving a power differential. Individuals entering into such relationships must recognize that: a) the reasons for entering such a relationship may be a function of the power differential; b) where power differentials exist, even in a seemingly consensual relationship, there are limited after-the-fact defenses against charges of sexual harassment; and c) the individual with the power in the relationship will bear the burden of accountability.
   
   The Department urges all parties concerned to be mindful of these considerations:
   
   The Department expects, if a romantic and/or sexual relationship does exist, or has existed among faculty, staff, and students, that the involved parties will refrain from holding any professionally-evaluative relationship with each other within the Department.
   
   
4. The Sociology Human Relations Committee duty is educational and referral. It will not engage in any judicial or remedial action. All committee deliberations will be kept confidential.

PROCEDURES

1. A complainant may contact any Sociology Human Relations Committee member or the chair of the Department to report incidents of discrimination and harassment.
   
   
2. The committee member will inform the complainant of the possible procedures to follow.
   
   
3. If a complaint involves the department chair, the complainant may contact a member of the Sociology Human Relations Committee.
   
   
4. The Sociology Human Relations Committee may refer the complaint to the appropriate unit of the university for further action, if necessary.