McMaster University recognises that as an academic and free community it must uphold its fundamental commitments to academic freedom and to freedom of expression and association. It will maintain an environment in which students and teaching and non-t eaching staff can engage in free enquiry and open discussion of all issues. The Sexual Harassment Officer, like all other officers of the University, is obliged to uphold academic freedom, and freedom of expression and association. An academic and free community must also include freedom of movement and freedom of access to facilities and resources without fear of harassment, discrimination or violence. All persons entrusted with authority by the University have a particular obligation to ensure that there is no misuse of that authority in any action or relationship.
Sexual harassment is a serious human rights issue.
It can be exacerbated by discrimination on other grounds such as disability, race, religion, ethnic origin or sexual orientation. The University recognizes its legal and moral responsibility to protect all of its members from sexual harassment and to take action if such harassment does occur. To these ends it has developed a policy on, and procedures for, dealing with complaint s of sexual harassment, including a range of disciplinary measures up to and including dismissal. It has also established an educational programme to prevent incidents of sexual harassment. The University prohibits reprisal or threats of reprisal against any member of the University community who makes use of this policy or participates in proceedings held under its jurisdiction.