EIR Operating Agreement
The EIR's Operating Agreement, produced in consultation with the AAR, can be found here.
Professional Conduct Policies
American Academy of Religion Professional Conduct Policies
AAR and EIR Sexual Assault and Harassment Policy
American Academy of Religion Sexual Harassment Policy please visit https://www.aarweb.org/node/190.
The Eastern International Region of the American Academy of Religion is committed to fostering and maintaining an environment of rigorous learning, research, and teaching in the field of religion. The EIR is committed to providing an environment that is free from sexual harassment and assault. Sexual harassment and assault in the workplace are discriminatory practices that are unethical, unprofessional, threaten intellectual freedom, a violation of professional ethics, and are illegal under federal law. Each member of the academy has the responsibility to conduct themselves in respectful and responsible ways that foster working environments free of harassment.
In accordance with the sexual harassment policy of the American Academy of Religion, members of the academy are encouraged to file complaints about sexual harassment with the appropriate administrative offices of the institution where the harasser is employed or where they are enrolled, or with appropriate law enforcement authorities. The unfortunate nature of harassment makes it difficult to detect unless a complaint is made.
Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to the following:
Sexist or lewd remarks, jokes, insults, or behavior.
Sexual innuendos and unwelcome sexual advances, including unwanted touching, standing too close to or brushing up against a person.
Sexual assault, including attempted or completed physical assault.
The use of professional authority to inappropriately draw attention to the gender, sexuality, or sexual orientation of an employee, colleague, or student.
The use of authority and/or position to create a fear of personal or professional retribution (including, for example, conduct that adversely affects an individual’s current or potential future employment, standing within the institution, and/or reputation in the academic community) in the event the individual refuses or reports sexual harassment.
Pressure to accept unwelcome social invitations.
Visual displays of degrading sexual images or pornography.
Giving gifts or leaving objects that are sexually suggestive
These behaviors interfere with an individual’s work or academic performance, and create an intimidating, unsafe, and traumatizing academic environment. Such an atmosphere is not representative of the kind of environment the academy strives to create and maintain. The EIR is an academic organization that seeks to foster intellectual rigor and professional conduct. Sexual harassment and assault have no place in the Eastern International Region of the American Academy of Religion. The American Academy of Religion Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure can be found at https://www.aarweb.org/node/190 .
Drafted by Aarti Patel 2019, ed. C. Hogan 2022.