No Harassment Policy

The Institute for Field Research (IFR) is committed to promoting a learning and working environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect. Harassing, coercive, or disruptive acts will not be tolerated and can be the grounds for immediate dismissal from a program and/or reporting to local authorities or home university. 

All forms of harassment are prohibited on IFR programs. This includes behavior that is intimidating, abusive or humiliating. Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including verbal, nonverbal or physical actions such as requests for sexual favors, suggestive gestures and sexual advances, when submission to or rejection of this conduct explicitly or implicitly interferes with a person’s work or educational performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or learning environment. Harassment that is not sexual in nature but is based on gender, sexual orientation, age, personal background or identity also falls under this policy and is similarly prohibited. 

IFR students, program directors, interns and supervisors are responsible for fostering a supportive, inclusive environment free from harassment of any kind. Any participant who harasses another participant or community member, or creates a hostile environment, is subject to immediate removal from the program, and will not be entitled to any refund, compensation or assistance following separation from the program. All participants must be in compliance with local laws and program policies.

IFR field schools operate in many countries around the world, each with different cultural norms. Behavior that may be considered offensive in the US may be acceptable in the local host culture. Some behaviors, such gestures, may not have the same meaning in the host culture as in the US. It is important to understand the local context to be able to contextualize situations and avoid misunderstandings. However, it is also important not to ascribe all behaviors as normal due to cultural differences. If a situation makes any participant uncomfortable or concerned for their safety, they should remove themselves from that situation and report it to the program director or designee. 

No Retaliation Policy

IFR prohibits any form of retaliation against any participant who in good faith makes a complaint, raises a concern, provides information or otherwise assists in an investigation or proceeding regarding any conduct that he or she reasonably believes to be in violation of IFR policies and/or applicable laws, rules or regulations. Participants who make a complaint or participate in an investigation or proceeding under this policy remain subject to the same standards of performance and conduct as other participants. IFR prohibits participants from being retaliated against even if their complaints are proven unfounded by an investigation, unless the participant knowingly made a false allegation, provided false or misleading information in the course of an investigation, or otherwise acted in bad faith.

This policy is designed to ensure that all field school participants feel comfortable speaking up when they see or suspect illegal or unethical conduct. It is also intended to encourage all  participants to cooperate with IFR in the investigation of any matter by providing honest, truthful and complete information without fear of retaliation.

Harassment frequently involves interactions that are not witnessed by others, and therefore can be hard to substantiate with additional evidence. Lack of corroborating evidence should not discourage individuals from reporting harassment. However, individuals who make reports that are later found to have been intentionally false or made for malicious reasons may be subject to disciplinary action.

Reporting and investigation

IFR encourages participants to report any incident of harassment or retaliation. Every program will have at least one designated person to whom reports of harassment can be made. Reports can also be made to IFR staff via phone, text or WhatsApp at +1 424.209.1173 or by email to info@ifrglobal.org. Reports of harassment or retaliation will be investigated and appropriate actions taken, which may include mediation, written behavioral agreements, or removing those found in violation of this policy from the program.