Updated May 2025
Purpose
Al-Quds University is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive academic environment. Harassment in any form—verbal, physical, sexual, emotional, or cyber—is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This policy defines, prohibits, and outlines response mechanisms for all forms of harassment within the university community.
Definitions
Harassment is any unwelcome conduct that violates an individual’s dignity, creates a hostile environment, or threatens a person’s safety.
Sexual harassment includes inappropriate comments, gestures, advances, or contact of a sexual nature.
Zero Tolerance
The university enforces a zero-tolerance approach. Any individual found to have engaged in harassment may face disciplinary actions, including dismissal or expulsion, depending on severity.
Reporting and Redressal
Complaints can be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs, the EDI Office, or via a confidential online portal.
A University Harassment Review Committee ensures independent investigation, protection for complainants, and timely action.
Interim safety measures (e.g., academic accommodations, no-contact orders) are available where needed.
Education and Prevention
Mandatory awareness sessions for new students and staff
Annual campaigns such as “Safe Campus Week”
Posters and digital materials across campuses
Harassment, in any form, stands in stark contrast to the values we uphold at Al-Quds University. With our robust Anti-Harassment Policy, we strive to create a campus environment that is free from intimidation, hostility, or offensiveness.
Harassment encompasses a range of unwelcome conduct based on protected classes such as race, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, and others. This can take the form of physical actions, verbal or written remarks, or even visual depictions. Such conduct that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, will not be tolerated.
All members of the university community are expected to adhere to this policy. Any violation will result in a thorough investigation by the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Office, and if substantiated, can lead to serious disciplinary measures, including dismissal from the university or termination of employment.
Moreover, we take a strong stand against retaliation. Any adverse action against individuals for making a good faith harassment complaint or participating in an investigation is considered a violation of the policy.
Through strict enforcement of our Anti-Harassment Policy, Al-Quds University continues its commitment to ensuring the physical, psychological, and emotional wellbeing of its community members.