Behavior in the workplace may not meet the UB policy definitions of discrimination or harassment but may still be experienced as unprofessional or inappropriate. Faculty or staff may be harmed by interactions or experiences with an individual who did not intend to injure, harm or harass them. Faculty or staff may also witness inappropriate or unprofessional behavior. In these situations, the School of Social Work recommends faculty and staff follow any of the following procedures to report these incidents:
If you prefer to place an anonymous report in confidence outside of the School of Social Work, you may use EthicsPoint, a confidential reporting service. If your submission concerns a clinical or patient issue, do not enter any client-identifying information beyond what is required in the template fields. Submission of your report indicates agreement to comply with HIPAA regulations.
Reports will be sent to UB by EthicsPoint anonymously and confidentially. EthicsPoint makes these reports available only to specific individuals within the university who are charged with evaluating the report, based on the type of violation and location of the incident. Each of these report recipients has had training in keeping these reports in the utmost confidence.
Visit www.buffalo.ethicspoint.com or call 844-678-0455 for more information.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines workplace violence as “violent acts (including physical assaults and threats of assaults) directed toward persons at work or on duty.” Workplace violence is any physical assault, threatening behavior, aggressive behavior or verbal abuse occurring in the work setting. Learn more about UB’s Workplace Violence and Bullying Prevention Policy.
UB policy also prohibits bullying, which is defined as unwelcome behavior that undermines an individual or group through negative verbal, physical or psychological abuse. Such behavior undermines the health, dignity and well-being of employees, and can lead to workplace violence.
The university makes a clear distinction between bias-related incidents prompted by intolerant behaviors and illegal discrimination, or discriminatory harassment based on protected factors including but not limited to sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status and veteran status. Matters of discrimination and harassment are handled by the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
If you believe you have been discriminated against or harassed based on a factor listed in UB’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy, or if you witnessed discrimination or harassment of others, contact the Office of EDI, 406 Capen Hall, at 716-645-2266 for an appointment to report an incident. You may call the office anonymously if you prefer not to give your name. The investigatory process is outlined in full on the EDI website.