1.04 No Retaliation

Policy No. 1.04

Policy: Berklee is committed to fostering an environment where all members of our diverse community feel safe, respected, and empowered to voice their concerns without fear of reprisal. We recognize that our strength lies in the varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our faculty and staff. 

This policy is designed to support any individual who, in good faith, reports misconduct, participates in an investigation, or raises concerns about compliance with our institutional policies or applicable laws. We affirm that every voice matters and that speaking up is not only a right but a responsibility we all share in maintaining the integrity and excellence of our institution.

Retaliation in any form against individuals who report concerns or participate in institutional processes is strictly prohibited. This policy applies to all members of our community, regardless of their role, position, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Retaliation can take many forms. Obvious examples of retaliation include firing or demoting an employee because the individual exercised a right to bring forward a complaint. Retaliation may take more subtle forms, however, including changing work hours, diminishing the employee’s responsibilities, or excluding the employee from normal activities in an attempt to create a sense of isolation.

By upholding this policy, we aim to:

  1. Encourage open communication and transparency.
  2. Protect the rights and well-being of all community members.
  3. Promote a culture of ethical behavior and accountability.
  4. Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
  5. Foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.

We are committed to thoroughly investigating all allegations of retaliation and taking appropriate corrective action when necessary. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive atmosphere where everyone can thrive and contribute to our shared mission of education, research, and service.

Reporting Misconduct

In order to allow Berklee an opportunity to review allegations of wrongful conduct and take corrective action as appropriate, an employee should report any information that they reasonably believe may constitute a violation of any law or Berklee's policies and code of conduct. Reports of misconduct may be made to the employee’s manager, the senior vice president of Human Resources or the employee’s designated Human Resources business partner. Reports can also be made to the Berklee Ethics Point Hotline at 888-286-5092. Callers to the Ethics Point Hotline may choose to anonymously and confidentially report activities that may involve criminal, unethical, or otherwise inappropriate activity or behavior. All allegations will be investigated to the extent reasonably feasible.

No Retaliation

No employee shall retaliate against another employee(s) in whole or in part because they have disclosed alleged wrongful conduct to a public body or to a manager or other institution officials. Any employee who is found to have violated this policy shall be subject to corrective action up to and including termination.

Report of Retaliation

Any employee who believes they have been retaliated against because of their prior disclosure of wrongful conduct to a public body or designated Berklee official should report the alleged retaliation. It can be reported to to the employee’s designated Human Resources business partner or the Senior Vice President of Human Resources, the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources and/or the Executive Vice President/Provost of Academic Affairs, (collectively, the “reporting officials”), who will review the report, conduct an inquiry, and recommend corrective action as any of the reporting officials may deem appropriate.

A report of retaliation made in good faith will not cause or contribute to corrective action. However, an employee will not necessarily be insulated from corrective action as a result of filing a retaliation complaint. If, after investigation, Berklee concludes that corrective action is warranted and is based on facts that are independent of the report of the violation, corrective action may be administered.

Berklee recognizes that false accusations can have serious effects on innocent people and the integrity of the institution. If, after investigation, Berklee’s reporting officials conclude that a person has knowingly and intentionally made a false allegation of retaliation, the accuser will be subject to corrective action up to and including termination.

Berklee reserves the right to amend, suspend, or cancel this policy at any time, with or without notice. In the event that a conflict exists between this policy and the terms and conditions of the Berklee faculty union contract agreement, the union contract agreement will supersede this policy.

July 2025