Harassment Information & Resources

At Lehigh, we take the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff very seriously. Every individual on our campus has a shared responsibility for contributing to a culture of respect.

Acts of hostility or harassment based on age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not acceptable and are inconsistent with the fundamental values of the University.

What is harassment?

The Lehigh University policy on harassment addresses two forms:

  • A hostile work, learning, co-curricular, social, or living environment
  • Quid pro quo sexual harassment

View the complete text of the Policy on Harassment (PDF) >

Who do I contact if I experience or witness harassment?

A member of the Lehigh University community or guest who believes that he or she has been subject to harassment, or any member of the University community who has knowledge of harassment incidents, is encouraged to confer promptly with one of the following key contact people for formal complaints or any member of the informal network:

Key Contact People for Formal Complaints, Informal Resolution of Complaints, or General Information

If you’re a student, please contact: 

Sharon Basso, Dean of Students Office (sbr2@lehigh.edu or 610 758-4156)
Rita Jones, Women’s Center (rmj207@lehigh.edu or 610 758-6484); or
Chris Mulvihill, Dean of Students Office (cjm9@lehigh.edu or 610 758-6598)

If you’re a staff or faculty member, please contact:

Lee Kern, Harassment Policy Officer (lek6@lehigh.edu or 610 758-3267
Linda Parks, Human Resources (linda.parks@lehigh.edu or 610 758-5195)
Vincent Munley, Deputy Provost for Faculty Affairs (vgm0@lehigh.edu or 610 758-5923
Judith Zavalydriga, Human Resources (jaz308@lehigh.edu or 610 758-3897)

Network for Informal Resolution of Complaints or General Information:

For a full list of individuals who are part of the informal network see: http://www.lehigh.edu/~inhro/eerelat/ContactGuide.htm.

When should I contact any of the Key Contact People or Informal Network?

  • You are unsure of the appropriateness of an individual’s behavior or you want another objective opinion regarding a potential harassment situation.
  • You want to discuss a situation confidentially with someone knowledgeable about Lehigh’s Policy on Harassment to decide whether you should take action and, if so, what to do. 
  • You want to learn what resources are available to you regarding a possible harassment situation. 
  • You want to know what your alternatives are for resolving a potential harassment situation or you want to try to resolve the situation in an informal manner.
  • You are concerned about a hostile work, learning, co-curricular, social, or living environment and fear retaliation. 
  • You intend to file a formal harassment complaint, and you would like guidance about the process.

Other campus resources:

Ombuds Office
Lehigh's Ombuds Office serves as a neutral, independent and informal conflict resolution resource and can help resolve problems or complaints within the University. The Ombuds Office is not an official intake point for complaint processes of the University and does not engage in fact-finding or make determinations about right and wrong. The Ombudspersons do not have administrative authority to impose disciplinary, remedial, or any other actions, on University faculty, staff, students or departments, nor to make specific changes within the institution.

Ethics Hotline
This secure and confidential hotline (610-758-2500) is available to all members of the Lehigh community (faculty, staff or students) to anonymously and confidentially report any concerns they have regarding the financial and operational aspects of the University.   This would include financial or ethical concerns, fraud, conflicts of interest, and noncompliance with governmental or University requirements. All concerns are investigated.  Information provided is kept confidential unless there are serious circumstances such as fraud or there are legal requirements that do not permit a guarantee of confidentiality.

Individuals can also utilize campus mail or email to express concerns to the Internal Audit Office.

Other helpful links:

Female student taking notes