The Fielding Institute seeks to create an environment that supports personal development, the discovery and transmission of knowledge, and a positive work environment. All members of the community are expected to contribute to the maintenance of this environment by adhering to high professional standards of conduct and ethical principles. The prohibition of all forms of harassment, intimidation, and exploitation is necessary for the achievement of these goals. The Fielding Institute assumes the responsibility of taking appropriate disciplinary action in these instances. While Fielding does not tolerate harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation, the definition and grievance procedure found in this particular policy pertains only to sexual harassment.
Potential complainants can include third parties as well as the direct complainant.
A third party may perceive favoritism or bias occurring in the other relationship and thus feel that his or her own performance is not rated fairly. Failure to do so will lead to appropriate disciplinary action by the Fielding Institute. Consensual sexual relationships between members of the community where neither individual is in a position to exercise direct power or authority over the other may also be inappropriate because of a perception of power or influence. Any member of the faculty or administrative staff who engages in such a relationship must accept responsibility for assuring that it does not result in a conflict of interest or raise other issues of professional ethics. In cases of doubt, advice and counsel should be sought from the individual's program dean or administrative supervisor.