Non- Retaliation

Policy Type:

Employment

I. Policy: Non-Retaliation

II. Who Does this Policy Affect

All HFC faculty, staff, students, vendors/contractors and visitors to our campus

III. Purpose

The College strives to provide an environment in which all employees, Trustees and students may make good faith reports of suspected incidents of any misconduct, harassment, discrimination, bullying or other prohibited conduct without fear of reprisal or retaliation. The College encourages timely disclosure of concerns regarding inappropriate behavior, including any suspected retaliation and good faith reports of suspected violations of the law, to enable the College to respond timely and to institute remedial measures if needed.

IV. Policy Statement

The College prohibits the taking of any retaliatory action against an individual or entity for reporting or inquiring about alleged improper or wrongful activity by the College, its Board of Trustee, individual trustees, employees or students. Any person who, in good faith, reports such incidents will be protected from retaliation, threats of retaliation, discharge, or other discrimination including but not limited to discrimination in compensation or terms and conditions of employment that are directly related to the disclosure of such information. In addition, no one may be adversely affected because they refused to carry out a directive which constitutes fraud or is a violation of local, state, federal or other applicable laws and regulations.

The College prohibits any adverse action against any individual for making a good faith report, providing information, being involved in any process (formal or informal) investigating, addressing or opposing any alleged claims of prohibited conduct, such as, but not limited to discrimination, harassment, bullying, or misconduct. Any person who engages in retaliatory conduct in response to anyone’s participation in these legally protected activities will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the College or termination of employment. Civil and criminal actions may also result from retaliatory conduct.

No person will be exempt from the consequences of misconduct or inadequate performance by reporting his or her own misconduct or inadequate performance.

A. Encouragement of Reporting

HFC trustees, employees and students are encouraged to report in good faith all information regarding alleged improper or wrongful activity that may constitute:

Discrimination, harassment or bullying;
Misconduct (including sexual misconduct);
Fraud;
Unethical or unprofessional business conduct;
Academic, scientific or research misconduct;
Noncompliance with College policies/procedures;
Circumstances of substantial, specific or imminent danger to a faculty or staff member or the public’s health and/or safety;
Violations of local, state or federal laws and regulations; or
Other illegal or improper practices or violation of policies.

B. Reporting Responsibility

HFC Board of Trustees, Faculty and staff members shall timely report evidence of alleged retaliation. You may make a complaint at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?HenryFordCC.

C. Complaint Procedures

Complaint and investigatory procedures shall be developed and implemented by the College President and/or the President's designee.

All reports will be handled as promptly and discreetly as possible, with facts made available only to those who need to know to investigate and resolve the matter.

V. Definitions
Retaliation: an adverse action taken because an individual has engaged in protected activities.

VI. Responsible Party for Interpretation/Review
Human Resource Department

VII. Related Documents