This guide helps Duke postdocs understand the options and processes for reporting harassment, discrimination, and other concerns. Choose a situation below for guidance and resources.

I need immediate support for my mental/emotional wellbeing or physical safety

Immediate Help

I am experiencing harassment

Racial harassment is unwelcome behavior that happens to you because of your race, color, or national origin, such as verbal or physical conduct of a racial nature. It is a form of discrimination that violates Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Racial harassment in the workplace is unlawful when 1) enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment, or 2) when the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a person would consider intimidating, hostile or abusive. This is also called hostile environment harassment. (Source)

Duke's Definitions:

Under university policy, racial discrimination occurs when an individual or group is subjected to an adverse action based upon race, color, or national origin. Discrimination can be addressed under this policy in either an employment or an educational context. 

I want to report an incident:

I want action to be taken to stop an incident

I want to let someone know recurring incidents are happening

I need help securing my safety

I need mental/emotional support right now

i want to confidentially discuss my options

Sexual harassment refers to unwelcome sexual advances, comments of a sexual nature, requests for sexual favors, and harassment or comments about an individual’s gender, all of which create a hostile work environment. Most commonly, sexual harassment is perpetrated by someone in a position of authority over the victim, such as an employer, supervisor, or teacher.

Sexual harassment is illegal in the U.S., defined and governed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). (Source)

Duke's Definitions

I want to report an incident

I WANT TO LET SOMEONE KNOW RECURRING INCIDENTS ARE HAPPENING

I NEED HELP SECURING MY SAFETY

I NEED MENTAL/EMOTIONAL SUPPORT RIGHT NOW

I WANT TO CONFIDENTIALLY DISCUSS MY OPTIONS

Gender harassment, or gender-based harassment, is a form of sex discrimination. It occurs when one person harasses another person for reasons relating to their gender identity. The harassment conduct, however, does not need to be based on anything of a sexual nature. Instead, gender harassment generally involves stereotypes according to the roles and functions associated with a particular gender. The behavior of the harasser creates a hostile work environment for people of a specific gender. (Source)

Duke's Definitions

Harassment and discrimination based on gender, gender expression, gender identity or sexual orientation are prohibited under Duke policy.

I want to report an incident of gender-based harassment or discrimination

I want action to be taken to stop an incident of gender-based harassment or discrimination

I want to let someone know that recurring incidents are happening

I NEED HELP SECURING MY SAFETY

I NEED MENTAL/ EMOTIONAL SUPPORT RIGHT NOW

I WANT TO CONFIDENTIALLY DISCUSS MY OPTIONS

Duke's Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct applies to all operations of the university and protects all members of the Duke community.

This policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any of these protected characteristics (also known as protected status): age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status.

The policy also prohibits harassment or discrimination based on the perception of an individual’s protected characteristics, even if that perception is incorrect. Furthermore, the policy prohibits related misconduct, such as sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking.

Students who have academic, workplace, or other concerns that are not covered by this policy have a number of other resources to address them. These resources may include their advisors, administrators in their departments or schools, and the Student Ombudsperson for the University or the Medical School. Anyone can consult directly with the Office for Institutional Equity for guidance at 919-684-8222.

Duke's Definitions

I want to report an incident

I want action to be taken to stop an incident

I want to let someone know that recurring incidents of harassment or discrimination are happening

I need help securing my safety

I need mental/ emotional support right now

I want to confidentially discuss my options

Reporting other concerns

For additional information about resources please see: Navigating Problems with Colleagues.

 

For resources on addressing issues with a mentor or advisor navigate to: Problem with Mentor or Advisor

For more information about confidential options navigate to: Confidential Discussions

This guide was adapted from material created by Duke PhD Kirsten Overdahl for the Graduate School. If you have questions about this guide, please email Molly Starback, Director of Duke Postdoctoral Services, at molly.starback@duke.edu