Discrimination & Sexual Harassment Policy - Chanakya College of Teachers' Training

Inclusive Environment

Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff

Respectful Collaboration

Fostering mutual respect and dignity in all interactions

Professional Support

Providing support and guidance to maintain a harassment-free environment

Introduction

The college is dedicated to provide equal opportunities and to create an environment in which all the staff, students and those for whom the college has a special responsibility (for example visiting academics and students – henceforth referred to as "visitors") are treated with dignity and respect and in which they can study and work free from any kind of discrimination, harassment, or victimization.

All the members of College are responsible for safeguarding this policy and should act in compliance with the policy guidance in the course of their daily work or study, assuring and cultivating an environment in which the dignity of other staff, students, and visitors is esteemed. Offensive behaviour will not be tolerated. Harassment in any form is a serious offence which is punishable under the College's disciplinary procedures.

Policy Scope: This Policy, and the Code of Conduct which accompanies it, apply to the academic and office staff of the College, undergraduate and graduate students, and all others for whom the College is responsible. References to 'academic staff' include Principal / Teacher-in-Charge, Full time and Part time teachers and Guest lecturers, who teach the students of the College.

The College is committed to making all staff and students aware of this policy and the associated guidance and must aspire to provide effective guidance and briefing on it. The College takes measures to ensure that both the policy and guidance are fully understood and implemented.

Definition of Harassment

Harassment is unwanted conduct on the grounds of sex, marital status, gender reassignment, race, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age that violates a person's dignity or creates an threatening, hostile, degrading, embarrassing or offensive environment.

Important Note: Harassment on grounds of sex, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age may amount to illegal discrimination. Harassment may also breach other legislation and may in some circumstances be a criminal offence. Harassment may occur through the use of internet, email, or telephone.

The other person's motives are not the main factor in determining if behaviour amounts to harassment. Just because certain behaviour may be acceptable to the alleged harasser or another person does not mean it is not harassment. Being under the influence of alcohol or otherwise intoxicated will not be admitted as an excuse for harassment, and may be regarded as an aggravating feature.

Bullying and Intimidation

Bullying may be characterised by offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, or misuse of power through means intended to demoralize, humiliate, degrade or injure the recipient. It includes any behaviour which makes someone else feel threatened, frightened, humiliated or taken undue advantage of.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment has been characterised as a predominantly degrading and unacceptable form of treatment, and is unacceptable to the College, as well as illegal, such that a victim may bring legal proceedings. If the conduct amounts to assault it may also comprise a criminal offence.

Examples of Harassment

In brief, examples of behaviour that may constitute harassment are:

Verbal or physical threats
Insulting, abusive, embarrassing or patronising behaviour or comments
Offensive gestures, language, rumours, gossip or jokes
Humiliating, intimidating, demeaning and/or persistent criticism
Open hostility
Suggestive comments or body language
Isolation or exclusion from normal work or study place
Publishing, circulating or displaying pornographic, racist, sexually suggestive or otherwise offensive pictures or other materials
Unwanted physical contact, ranging from an invasion of space to a serious assault

(The above list is not intended to be exhaustive.)

Advice to Individuals

If you are suffering from harassment:

Individuals may find it embarrassing to discuss whether certain behaviour amounts to harassment. The first step may be to discuss the matter in confidence with a friend or colleague who is familiar with the College setting.

For Staff Members: You may want to discuss the matter with immediate superiors, College Management, or colleagues.

For Students: You may want to discuss the matter with the teacher or any other college officials or their mentors. Student mentors may provide the required support.

Written Complaints

Format of Complaints

Written complaints take the form of a letter or memorandum describing the conduct on which the complaint is based. It will include:

The date(s) and place(s) on which the offensive conduct occurred
The names of any witnesses, and the name of the respondent
Any efforts to resolve the complaint and the results of these efforts
If appropriate, the specific outcome the complainant seeks

Filing of Complaints

Students: Complaints against undergraduate students should be filed to the Mentor teacher or the Head of the Department.

Employees: Complaints against employees should be filed to the principal/Teacher-in-Charge.

Protection Against Victimization

The college will prevent any kind of victimization that may issue from making a complaint or in assisting a complainant in an investigation. Victimisation occurs specifically when a person is treated less favourably because he/she has asserted his/her rights under this guidance, either in making a complaint or in assisting a complainant in an investigation.

College Commitment: The College will protect any member of staff, student, or visitor from victimisation for reporting a grievance. All complaints will be taken seriously and investigated appropriately.

Need Help or Want to Report?

If you need assistance or want to report harassment, please contact the appropriate authorities:

Students
Contact your Mentor Teacher or Head of Department

Staff
Contact the Principal/Teacher-in-Charge

College Office
Chanakya College of Teachers Training, Udaipur

Sanstha Office
Chanakya Shiksha evam Shodh Sansthan, Udaipur