In the wake of the #MeToo Movement, the National Science Foundation ("NSF") has released a proposed policy seeking to impose sexual harassment and assault-related reporting requirements on Colleges and Universities ("Institutions").
If adopted, Institutions will have to notify NSF if they find that a Principal Investigator ("PI") or Co-Investigator ("Co-PI") on an NSF-funded research project has engaged in harassment or sexual assault. Institutions will also have to notify NSF if they place a Co-PI or PI on administrative leave due to an allegation or finding of harassment or sexual assault.
A violation must be reported to NSF even if it occurs off-campus—including on-line, at field sites and at conferences and workshops. The Institution will have seven days after a finding or administrative leave placement to notify NSF.
Interested parties will have until May 4, 2018 to comment on the proposed regulation before it is adopted.
Client Tips:
- Monitor NSF publications to see if NSF adopts this proposed policy
- Train all research staff, including PIs and Co-PIs, on laws and policies governing sexual harassment and assault
- Find out more about how your Campus should respond to the #MeToo Movement at one of our Roundtable events on March 23rd, 27th and 29th
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.