MIT and Sloan Polices Pertaining to Roles and Relationships

MIT has a variety of policies governing behavior within and outside of the classroom, some of which are highlighted here. The principles of respect and open communication underlie these policies. Be sure to review the Mind and Hand Book as well as the Graduate Policies and Procedures for further information on these and related policies, from which the text below is excerpted.

Sexual Misconduct

MIT is committed to providing a productive living and learning community in which students can pursue their educational goals. Sexual misconduct undermines this commitment and affects the ability of students to focus on their educational achievement. Therefore, MIT will not tolerate nor condone any form of sexual misconduct. Moreover, MIT may take additional action in response to sexual misconduct as required by state and federal law, including Title IX.

Sexual misconduct is a broad term used to encompass a range of behaviors including sexual harassment, nonconsensual sexual contact, nonconsensual sexual penetration, and sexual exploitation.

No one shall be retaliated against for, in good faith, objecting to a behavior that may violate this policy, reporting a violation of this policy, or participating in the Institute’s complaint resolution procedure in any capacity, including as a complainant, witness, or investigator.

The MIT Institute Discrimination and Harassment Response Office (IDHR) offers more detailed information on MIT's policies and procedures regarding sexual misconduct, bias, and discrimination.

MIT Policy on Harassment

In order to create a respectful, welcoming and productive community, the Institute is committed to providing a living, working and learning environment that is free from harassment.

Harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct of a verbal, nonverbal or physical nature that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a work or academic environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile or abusive and that adversely affects an individual’s educational, work, or living environment.

Even conduct that does not violate an MIT policy may be inappropriate and any inappropriate conduct should be addressed by the supervisor or department head.

Harassment that is based on an individual’s race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin is not only a violation of MIT policy but may also violate federal and state law.