The University makes a clear distinction between bias-related incidents prompted by intolerant behaviors and illegal discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on protected factors including but not limited to sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, and veteran status. Matters of discrimination and harassment are handled by the Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. If you believe you have been discriminated against or harassed based on a factor listed in UB's Discrimination and Harassment Policy, or if you witnessed discrimination or harassment of others, contact the Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, 406 Capen Hall, at 716-645-2266 for an appointment to report an incident. You may call the office anonymously if you would prefer not to give your name. The investigatory process is outlined in full on the EDI website. Learn more about UB's Discrimination and Harassment Policy.
If you have experienced discrimination or harassment in violation of UB’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy, you can also consult with the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). EDI ensures UB’s compliance with policies covering discrimination, harassment, accommodations, equal opportunity and child protection. (You can consult anonymously if you do not want to disclose your name.)
Call EDI at 716-645-2266 or visit EDI’s website.
If you feel you have been subjected to mistreatment and/or conduct that violates UB’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy, or if you have witnessed behavior you believe violates the policy, you can report the incident via EthicsPoint. EthicsPoint is a comprehensive and confidential reporting tool to help the UB community address abuse and report any incidents related to harassment, discrimination and mistreatment. (You can report anonymously if you do not want to disclose your name.)
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines workplace violence as “violent acts (including physical assaults and threats of assaults) directed toward persons at work or on duty.” Workplace violence is any physical assault, threatening behavior, aggressive behavior, or verbal abuse occurring in the work setting. Learn more about UB’s Workplace Violence and Bullying Prevention Policy.
UB policy also prohibits bullying, which is defined as unwelcome behavior that undermines an individual or group through negative verbal, physical, or psychological abuse. Such behavior undermines the health, dignity, and well-being of employees, and can lead to workplace violence.
Behavior in the workplace may not meet the UB policy definitions of discrimination or harassment, but still be experienced as unprofessional and/or inappropriate. Faculty or staff may be harmed by interactions or experiences with an individual who did not intend to injure, harm, or harass them. Faculty or staff may also witness inappropriate and/or unprofessional behavior. In these situations, SPHHP recommends faculty and staff follow any of the following procedures to report these incidents: