Brown University recognizes that individuals who report violations must be free from fear of Retaliation in support of the University’s mission. Therefore, Brown prohibits Retaliation against individuals who make Good Faith Reports of potential violations of laws, regulations, or University policies.

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, contractors, visitors and other members of the Brown University community.

The University prohibits Retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, submits a complaint, a report, or an inquiry of a violation of a University policy, participates in the University’s complaint resolution process, or alleges improper or wrongful activity. Anyone found to take retaliatory action covered under this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contractual services to the University. Additionally, no faculty, staff, or student shall be disciplined when they refuse to follow a directive which constitutes fraud or violates University policy, local, state, federal or other applicable laws and regulations.

For the purpose of this policy, the terms below have the following definitions:

All individuals to whom this policy applies are responsible for becoming familiar with and following this policy. University supervisors and employees with student oversight duties are responsible for promoting the understanding of this policy and for taking appropriate steps to help ensure and enforce compliance with it.

Failure to comply with this and related policies is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension without pay, or termination of employment or association with the University, in accordance with applicable (e.g., staff, faculty, student) disciplinary procedures. In the case of contractors, visitors and other members of the Brown University community may result in the suspension or revocation of their relationship with Brown University.

This policy is not a legal document. This policy does not confer a term of employment, nor is the language intended to establish a contractual relationship. The University reserves the right to change, amend or terminate any of its policies at any time for any reason.

Brown University is a community in which individuals are encouraged to share concerns with University leadership. Additionally, Brown’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline allows anonymous and confidential reporting on matters of concern online or by phone (877-318-9184).

The following information complements and supplements this document. The information is intended to help explain this policy and is not an all-inclusive list of policies, procedures, laws and requirements.