American University of Sharjah
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

10.0 NONDISCRIMINATION INTRODUCTION AUS strives to create a work environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. All employment policies, systems and processes are periodically reviewed to ensure that employees are treated fairly. Outlined below is the policy and procedures used by AUS to ensure equal employment opportunity and compliance with Sharjah and UAE laws to the extent they apply to an individual’s employment at the university. PURPOSE AUS is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. AUS prohibits discrimination on these and any other basis prohibited by law. AUS prohibits retaliation because of making a complaint, assisting in an investigation, opposing discrimination, or otherwise exercising rights protected by applicable law. SCOPE This policy applies to all university departments and employees of AUS. Equal opportunity extends to all aspects of employment, including hiring, transfers, promotions, training, terminations, working conditions, compensation, benefits, as well as other terms and conditions of employment. AUS complies with UAE federal equal employment opportunity laws and strives to keep the workplace free from all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment. AUS considers harassment in any form to be a serious offense. PROCEDURES Employees who have been subjected to prohibited discrimination or harassment should immediately report the incident to his/her supervisor. The supervisor will submit a file note to the human resources Department (HR) about the incident for investigation. File notes and investigative information will be maintained in a separate file within HR. If an employee is uncomfortable reporting to his/her supervisor, he/she may report the incident to the Director of Human Resources Department. The Director of HR will immediately investigate the complaint and handle it as confidentially as possible consistent with the need for investigation and resolution. Any reported violations of this policy will be investigated impartially and any appropriate corrective action will be taken. AUS prohibits any form of retaliation against the employee filing a complaint of discrimination or harassment. The Director of HR will ensure full compliance during and following the investigative process. If it is found that discrimination or retaliation has occurred, appropriate corrective action will be taken including disciplinary action, up to and possible termination of employment. Please refer to the Harassment Policy 10.1 and the Problem Resolution Policy (80) for further details.