Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment
About Us
The Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Working Group (NDH WG) is an open working group under Student Workers of Columbia (SWC-UAW 2110), the student workers’ union at Columbia University. We provide support for student workers who experience discrimination and harassment through peer accompaniment during reporting procedures. We are also working to set up the policies and structures included in our new contract. We also research and discuss policies against discrimination, sexual harassment, and power-based harassment in the workplace, and raise awareness of these issues, within both the unit and the campus community at large.
Reporting Issues
Submit a report here about incidents of discrimination and harassment, or if you need help switching advisors due to an unhealthy advising situation. One of our working group members will be assigned to support you based on the information that you provide.Flyers and Flowcharts
This flowchart outlines the process for discrimination and harassment investigations at Columbia.
Want to get involved?
We are always looking for new members! Join our Working Group listserv to receive meeting reminder emails and weigh in on discussions. Email swc-ndh-wg@googlegroups.com to be added. If you’d like to join our WhatsApp group or want to reach out about attending a meeting, please email ndh@studentworkersofcolumbia.com to reach out to us directly.
Flyers and Flowcharts
This flowchart outlines the process for discrimination and harassment investigations at Columbia.
You can print, post, and share these flyers to help raise awareness of discrimination and harassment at Columbia.
What We Do
In 2022 and 2023, we have been focusing our efforts on interpreting the new contract and continuing our support of survivors. Columbia’s Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) office deals with the kinds of cases that fall within the purview of our working group. However, 95% of the cases that go through the EOAA are resolved in the favor of the accused (as of 2021). In recognition of Columbia’s institutionally vested interest in keeping cases of sexual harassment, discrimination and power-based harassment on campus under-wraps, we have long been advocates of and remain steadfast in our commitment to peer-to-peer support and establishing the resources promised to SWC during our last contract negotiation. To this end, our current projects include:
Setting up a panel of outside, third-party arbitrators for cases of harassment and discrimination that take place at Columbia.
Ensuring that EOAA provides accurate reporting and summaries of their cases as promised.
Supporting grievants through the EOAA process and working to help them understand their options and rights.
Building and upkeeping a confidential internal record of the kind and amount of harassment and discrimination student workers face at a time when Columbia refuses to make this information available. This internal record will allow us to draft contract articles in the future dealing with all forms of harassment and discrimination that are directly derived from unit needs.
Researching comparable articles and protections at other universities and workplaces.
Raising awareness on Columbia’s systematic problem with discrimination and harassment on campus through flyering and one-on-one conversations with unit members.