TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE RULES

34.01.99.X1 SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Approved: April 2, 2002
Supplements System Policy 34.01

The working environment throughout the Texas AgriLife Extension Service (Extension) shall be free of all forms of sexual discrimination and sexual harassment. Conduct which constitutes sexual harassment is specifically prohibited by federal law, state law, and Texas A&M University System policies. Employers are not only accountable for the conduct of their employees, but also for the conduct of those individuals with whom their employees come in contact. Generally, this means that we are responsible for protecting our employees from sexual harassment by our customers, vendors, consultants, and independent contractors. System Policy 34.01, Sexual Harassment, contains the definition, responsibilities, and procedures for addressing sexual harassment allegations. It is the agency's policy to encourage the reporting of all perceived incidents of sexual harassment, regardless of the position of the alleged offender.

2.00  GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING COMPLAINTS

Supervisors and Texas A&M AgriLife (AgriLife)Human Resources Representatives who receive a complaint alleging sexual harassment are responsible for reporting the complaint to the Human Resources Officer as soon as possible. The AgriLife Human Resources Officer or designee shall appoint an investigator in accordance with Extension Procedure 34.01.99.X1.01, Sexual Harassment Complaint Processing, to investigate the

All information pertaining to an allegation of sexual harassment will be kept confidential to the greatest extent permitted by law. Internal disclosure of the information will be limited to those who have a legitimate need to know, such as witnesses, investigators, and supervisors of the complainant and the alleged offender. The parties involved will be instructed to keep the investigation confidential to the extent practical given the circumstances.

Extension will not permit or allow any form of discrimination or retaliation against any individual who files a sexual harassment complaint, regardless of the final outcome of the complaint. Persons who make false or frivolous accusations of sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action.

There will be no discrimination or retaliation against any individual who participates in the investigation of a complaint.

The first actions upon receiving a complaint are an important part of the process. Each complaint should receive immediate attention so as to demonstrate to all concerned parties the agency=s firm commitment to provide a workplace free from sexual harassment. Complaints should normally be filed with the lowest level supervisor having the authority to resolve a complaint; however, the complaint may be taken directly to the AgriLife Human Resource Office. If the complainant=s immediate supervisor is the one accused of sexual harassment, the complainant may take the complaint to the next higher supervisor.

3.02. All investigations and processing of complaints will be in accordance with Extension Procedure 34.01.99.X1.01, Sexual Harassment Complaint Processing. Investigations will be conducted by a trained investigator appointed by the Human Resources Officer or designee, and should be completed within 14 business days of the initial complaint. If an extension is granted at the request of the complainant, all of the parties involved will be so informed and the complaint will be resolved by the date of the extended deadline.

3.03 Whenever a complaint of sexual harassment is made, the alleged offender will be informed of the allegations and related facts surrounding the allegation. If the investigator finds no sexual harassment occurred, Extension will take all reasonable steps as necessary to restore the reputation of the alleged offender.

3.04 Appeals will be administered in accordance with Extension Procedure, 32.01.02.X1.01, Complaint and Appeal for Non-Facluty Employees.

Questions regarding this rule or the investigation procedures should be referred to the AgriLife Human Resources Office at 979-845-2423.