Retaliation - Northern Michigan University

Purpose:

To establish a uniform response to incidents of retaliation.

Applicability:

All University employees, students and visitors.  Retaliation is not limited to the respondent of a complaint; adverse action committed by a friend, relative, peer, or sympathizer of the respondent is also prohibited. 

Policy:

It is a violation of University policy to intimidate, discipline, discharge, or harass any individual who has in good faith reported misconduct or fraud, filed a complaint, instituted proceedings, assisted in an investigation or compliance review, or formally or informally objected to sexual misconduct and/or discriminatory practices. 

The types of retaliation that are prohibited include but are not limited to intimidation; adverse action with respect to student assignments or grades; adverse action which threatens or endangers a student’s access to campus educational and social programs; adverse action with respect to employment assignments, salary, vacation, or other terms of employment; unlawful discrimination; termination of employment; adverse action against a relative of the reporter; or threats of any of the above. 

Individuals who violate this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary proceedings.  If found to have violated the policy, the individual may be subject to the full range of available sanctions, up to and including termination of employment, dismissal from an academic program, or suspension/expulsion from the University.  Further, some disruptive, threatening or violent behavior is prohibited by Michigan law.  When appropriate, the University will refer cases to the Marquette County Prosecuting Attorney for possible criminal prosecution.

To report retaliation:

For immediate assistance in an emergency including assault, direct threat of violence, any incident involving a hostage or weapon, or if you believe the situation is an emergency, dial 9-1-1 or call the NMU Police Department at 906-227-2151. 

In non-emergency situations, Report student complaints to:
Mary Brundage, Interim Dean of Students
Section 504 Coordinator                           
Dean of Students Office   
2001 Hedgcock
(906) 227-1700 or mbrunag@nmu.edu                         

Report faculty, staff and third-party complaints to:  
Janet Koski, Executive Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX
Equal Opportunity Officer and Section 504 Coordinator - Employees
Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office
105 Cohodas Hall
(906) 227-2420 or jakoski@nmu.edu

The university welcomes and encourages you to report all complaints of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and sexual misconduct. The university strives to clearly indicate through written policies how to report complaints. Questions may always be directed to the Title IX Coordinator. If there is a concern that a complaint must be escalated to a higher university level, for instance, if there is a complaint against an executive level administrator or a member of the Board of Trustees, reports may be made either to the Title IX Coordinator, who reports to the President of the University, or to the University’s General Counsel, who reports to the Board of Trustees. Alternatively, complaints may be made directly to the Chair or Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. All will execute their fiduciary duty to ensure that the complaint is thoroughly investigated and that appropriate action will be taken based on the investigation findings, facts, and circumstances.

To escalate a complaint under this policy, contact:
(906) 227-2272 or crcomplaint@nmu.edu and indicate whether you want to speak to
NMU's General Counsel; Board Chair; or Board Vice-Chair