Reporting Requirements Regarding Findings of Sexual Harassment, Other Forms of Harassment, or Sexual Assault

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is soliciting public comment on the agency's proposed implementation of the new reporting requirements specified in NSF Important Notice No. 144, dated February 8, 2018. The National Science Foundation (NSF) does not tolerate sexual harassment, or any kind of harassment, within the agency, at awardee organizations, field sites, or anywhere NSF-funded science and education are conducted. The 2,000 U.S. institutions of higher education and other organizations that receive NSF funds are responsible for fully investigating complaints and for complying with federal non-discrimination law. NSF has taken steps to help ensure research environments are free from sexual harassment. Additionally, NSF is bolstering our policies, guidelines and communications so that organizations funded by NSF clearly understand expectations and requirements. NSF is working to make certain that recipients of grants and cooperative agreements respond promptly and appropriately to instances of sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault. A community effort is essential to eliminate sexual and other forms of harassment in science and to build scientific workspaces where people can learn, grow and thrive.