Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policy

Sexual Harassment Policy

ArchaeoPLUS (A+) is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and professional learning and working environment. Harassment, coercion, and disruptive behavior are forms of misconduct that undermine the effectiveness of ArchaeoPLUS programs and negatively affect individuals subjected to such behavior. ArchaeoPLUS expects all individuals involved in field schools—including field school directors, faculty, staff, volunteers, students, and visitors—to maintain professional relationships, refrain from, and discourage all forms of harassment.

Sexual harassment, along with all other forms of harassment and discrimination, is strictly prohibited within ArchaeoPLUS field schools and programs.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This conduct becomes harassment when it explicitly or implicitly affects a person’s employment or educational performance, creates an intimidating or offensive working or learning environment, or otherwise interferes with an individual’s ability to participate in the field school.

Acts of harassment based on gender, sex-stereotyping, or sexual orientation, though not explicitly sexual, are also prohibited under ArchaeoPLUS's nondiscrimination policy. Such actions may contribute to the creation of a hostile environment. ArchaeoPLUS will take these factors into account when assessing the existence of harassment.

Cultural Awareness in the U.S. and Abroad

ArchaeoPLUS encourages participants to engage in cultural awareness not only when working in international locations but also when participating in field schools within the U.S. The cultural norms, historical contexts, and legal regulations of different regions, including state-specific laws and guidelines, may vary. Participants are urged to familiarize themselves with local cultural norms, environmental conditions, and boundaries, both in the U.S. and abroad where applicable.

ArchaeoPLUS expects participants to be mindful of these differences while maintaining their own personal boundaries. All participants are required to comply with both local laws and the organization's policies, contributing to a respectful and safe learning and working environment.

Sexual Harassment Reporting

ArchaeoPLUS is committed to addressing reports of harassment promptly and effectively. Participants who believe they have been subjected to harassment are encouraged to report the incident. Reports may be made via email at admin@archaeoplus.org. All reports will be handled confidentially and investigated as appropriate. ArchaeoPLUS will acknowledge all reports within 72 hours and aim to resolve them within 30 days. If additional time is required to resolve the issue, participants will be kept informed of the status of the case.

Anti-Retaliation Policy

ArchaeoPLUS strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports harassment or participates in an investigation. Retaliation may include, but is not limited to, exclusion, derogatory comments, or denial of opportunities. Participants are encouraged to report harassment without fear of adverse consequences. Participants should note that intentional false reports may lead to disciplinary action. ArchaeoPLUS takes all complaints of retaliation seriously and will address them promptly.

Reporting an Incident of Harassment

ArchaeoPLUS encourages all participants to report any perceived incidents of harassment, regardless of the identity or position of the offender. Participants are encouraged to communicate directly with the offender when possible, to inform them that the behavior is unwelcome. However, if they are uncomfortable addressing the offender directly or if the conduct continues, participants should report the incident to a field director, faculty member, or ArchaeoPLUS administration. Reports can be made by email to admin@archaeoplus.org. Every participant in ArchaeoPLUS programs is required to have read and agreed to this policy as part of their participation.

Intentional False Reports

While ArchaeoPLUS encourages individuals to report any incidents of harassment or discrimination, it is important to recognize that not all claims may be substantiated by further evidence, given the private nature of many of these interactions. However, intentional false reports of harassment are not protected, and such reports may result in disciplinary action, including removal from the program. ArchaeoPLUS encourages all participants to be truthful and provide honest information when reporting incidents.

Options for Resolution

ArchaeoPLUS is committed to responding to all reports of harassment, including anonymous and third-party reports. Each report will be evaluated based on its merit, and the appropriate action will be taken. In cases where early resolution is not possible or successful, ArchaeoPLUS may initiate a more formal investigation. In extreme cases, actions may include removal from the field school or notification of relevant authorities, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.