Strategy for responding to notifications and complaints concerning bullying and sexual harassment

Employees and students shall treat each other with respect and in accordance with the RU Code of Ethics . Any bullying, gender-based or sexual harassment is not tolerated at Reykjavik University. Responses to such incidents shall be in accordance with this strategy.

Definitions

Reykjavik University defines bullying in accordance with regulation no. 1009/2015: Reproachable or repeated improper conduct; that is, an action or behavior which or is intended to humiliate, degrade, offend, hurt, discriminate against, or threaten and causes distress for the targeted individual.

As regards the definition of gender-related and sexual harassment, Reykjavik University is guided by the Act on Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men, no. 10/2008:

Gender-based harassment: Any type of unfair and/or insulting behavior which is connected with the gender of the person affected by it, is unwelcome and impairs the self-respect of the person affected by it, and which is continued in spite of a clear indication is given that it is unwelcome. This harassment may be physical, verbal or symbolic. A single instance may be considered as gender-based harassment if it is serious.

Sexual harassment: Any type of unfair and/or insulting sexual behavior which is unwelcome and impairs the self-respect of the person affected by it, and which is continued in spite of a clear indication is given that it is unwelcome. This harassment may be physical, verbal or symbolic. A single instance may be considered sexual harassment if it is serious.

Notifications / complaints

Students who believe they were bullied or harassed by an employee or student are urged to notify their dean or director of their school or department, the Ethics Committee, or the President of RU. If the complaint concerns any of the above-mentioned persons, the management layer immediately above the person concerned shall be contacted. Witnesses to acts of bullying or harassment are also encouraged to draw the attention of the above-mentioned persons to such behaviour. Students are furthermore urged to seek consult, support, and advice from the Student counselors regarding the process as well as for support.

Response

A formal investigation shall be initiated in response to all notifications/complaints concerning bullying or harassment. If deemed necessary, an independent expert party shall be called upon to evaluate circumstances and confirm whether bullying or harassment has taken place. The person who submits the complaint has a right to request that this action be taken. If a complaint concerning bullying or harassment is confirmed, the perpetrator may be reprimanded or dismissed from work/studies.

 ^{Revised and approved in March 2019 
These rules were set in October 2012}