Non-Retaliation Policy 10.2-1

Introduction/Purpose:

Saginaw Valley State University (the “University”) is committed to providing a work and learning environment free from retaliation. The University is committed to fostering an environment in which individuals may raise concerns, report potential policy violations, and participate in investigations or resolution processes without fear of retaliation. Retaliation undermines the integrity of the University’s educational and employment environments and is strictly prohibited. This policy affirms the University’s commitment to protecting individuals who engage in protected activity and to maintaining fair, equitable, and accountable processes.

Definitions: 

1. Protected Activity means filing of complaints or reports, participation in or refusing to participate in investigations (internal to SVSU, or by state, local, or federal agencies), requests for workplace accommodation(s), and whistleblower complaints. [1]
2. Retaliation means conduct that intimidates, threatens, coerces, or discriminates against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by any University policy or law, or because the individual has engaged in Protected Activity under this Policy. 

Policy:

The University prohibits retaliation against those who have, in good faith, engaged in Protected Activity.

This policy does not prohibit actions taken for non-discriminatory or non-retaliatory reasons. Activity protected by the First Amendment may not be considered retaliation under this Policy.

This policy is intended to supplement and not limit access to other applicable remedies. Nothing in this policy shall diminish the rights or remedies available to community members pursuant to any applicable University policy or law.

Procedures:

Where complaints of retaliation are made pursuant to the Sexual Misconduct Policy or University Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, retaliation will be addressed pursuant to the procedures outlined in those policies. [2]

All other concerns of retaliation will be addressed pursuant to Human Resources if the Respondent is an employee or third party or under the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Concerns of retaliation involving a student Respondent will be referred to Student Conduct.

[1] If participation in an investigation or other proceeding is required by other University policy, then the University will not consider penalties pursuant to those policies to constitute retaliation.

[2] To the extent another University policy has specific procedures to address retaliation, this Policy will not supersede the procedures therein.