Resolution 11-02 concerning Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment
Resolution of the Employee Forum
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
June 1, 2011
WHEREAS, the Mission of the Employee Forum is to constructively address the concerns of the Employees of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, including the presentation of staff concerns to University officials and the University General Administration; and
WHEREAS, the month of April has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the United States, with the goal of raising public awareness about sexual violence and educating communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence; and
WHEREAS, given U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have been victims of a completed or attempted rape, a significant number of UNC employees are primary or secondary survivors of sexual violence; and
WHEREAS, sexual violence is unwanted sexual activity that can take many forms, including sexual harassment, unwanted sexual contact, and rape and sexual assault; and
WHEREAS, these forms of violence have a significant impact on our campus climate; and
WHEREAS, training programs such as those offered through the Office of Human Resources, the HAVEN (Helping Advocates For Violence Ending Now) program, and the Equal Opportunity /ADA Office’s mandatory training on sexual harassment in the workplace for supervisors and managers address these issues and benefit those staff members who are able to participate in them; and
WHEREAS, the University has a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports the right of every member of the Carolina community to learn and work in an atmosphere that promotes fairness, equity and access to its employment and educational programs;THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED, the Employee Forum of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill affirms its commitment to a safe and inclusive campus community and strongly supports campus, local, and state efforts to prevent violence in all its forms and connect survivors of sexual violence — including staff survivors — with support and resources; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Employee Forum requests that the EEO/ADA Office develop a means to enforce compliance of the required sexual harassment training for supervisors and managers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Employee Forum of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill appeals to the Chancellor and his Administration to support this resolution and to convey support for comprehensive violence prevention efforts to University schools and departments.
On behalf of the Delegates of the Employee Forum,
Jacqueline E. Overton, Chair