What is considered retaliation?
Retaliation is any materially adverse action taken or threatened against an employee because the employee has, in good faith, filed a complaint or grievance; sought the aid of Human Resources; testified or participated in investigations, compliance reviews, proceedings or hearings; or opposed actual or perceived violations of policy or unlawful acts.
Examples of behavior protected from retaliation may include, but are not limited to:
- Refusing to obey an order reasonably believed to be in violation of policy or law.
- Complaining about alleged discrimination against oneself or others.
- Providing information in an internal investigation of alleged misconduct.
- Resisting unwanted sexual advances or intervening to protect others from unwanted sexual advances.
- Requesting reasonable accommodation for disability or religion.
Examples of retaliation may include, but are not limited to:
- Unsubstantiated adverse performance evaluations or disciplinary action.
- Unfounded negative job references.
- Arbitrary denial of salary increases, promotions, or other job benefits.
- Unfounded transfer to a less desirable position.
- Bullying, including repeated intimidation or humiliation, derogatory or insulting remarks, or social isolation.
- Physical threats and/or destruction of personal or state property.
- Any unfounded action taken or threatened that would dissuade a reasonable individual from reporting alleged misconduct.
How can I report retaliation?
- Georgia Tech Office of Human Resources (Staff Complaints)
- hr.ask@ohr.gatech.edu or 404-894-4847
- Georgia Tech Office of the Provost (Faculty Complaints)
- vpgefd@gatech.edu or 404-385-5726
- EthicsPoint (Faculty or Staff Complaints)
- EthicsPoint website (https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/7508/index.html) or 1-866-294-5565
- EthicsPoint is a third-party vendor available 24/7 that allows confidential or anonymous reporting.
What can I expect after I report retaliation?
A Georgia Tech employee who, in good faith, reports retaliation to the Office of Human Resources, Office of the Provost, or EthicsPoint can expect a thorough and timely investigation.
What is my duty to report misconduct at Georgia Tech?
Georgia Tech employees must report misconduct involving violations of policy or unlawful acts per the University System of Georgia Board of Regents Ethics Policy.
Will Georgia Tech protect me from retaliation if I report misconduct?
Georgia Tech takes good faith reports of retaliation very seriously. Georgia Tech has a responsibility to protect its employees from unlawful retaliation. Any employee found to have retaliated against another employee at Georgia Tech will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
What if I want to report misconduct anonymously?
A Georgia Tech employee can report misconduct anonymously through EthicsPoint. EthicsPoint is a third party vendor available 24/7 that allows for anonymous or confidential reporting. Reports of misconduct can be made online at the EthicsPoint webpage here: https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/7508/index.html, or by calling 1-866-294-5565.
