The National Science Foundation (NSF) will not tolerate sexual harassment, harassment based on ethnicity, race, gender, or disability, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault, within the agency, at awardee organizations, field sites or anywhere science or education is conducted. NSF has taken steps to help ensure all NSF-funded research and learning environments are free from sexual harassment and other forms of harassment. Additionally, NSF is bolstering our policies, guidelines and communications so that organizations clearly understand expectations and individuals understand their rights.

NSF'S HARASSMENT NOTICES

FAQ Updated February 2021: NSF Harassment Term and Condition covers harassment based on ethnicity, race, gender, or disability. (See FAQ #7)

News Release: NSF Announces New Measures to Protect Research Community From Harassment

Fact Sheet: NSF - Next Steps Against Harassment

Important Notice No. 144: Harassment

ODI Bulletin No. 18-01: Sexual Harassment Reporting

"The NSF is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the people our awards support. We are committed to a nurturing research environment. One that is encouraging and supportive of all researchers. We have heard the voices of the wider community and have responded. We will continue to listen and to take action as a federal granting agency. NSF has no tolerance for harassment." – Dr. France A. Córdova, former Director, National Science Foundation. Watch former NSF Director Córdova's statement on harassment.

NSF'S TERM AND CONDITION: SEXUAL HARASSMENT, OTHER FORMS OF HARASSMENT, OR SEXUAL ASSAULT

Please visit NSF Term and Condition: Notification Requirements Regarding Findings of Sexual Harassment, Other Forms of Harassment or Sexual Assault page to view the full term and condition, FAQs, and the comments from the Federal Register notice.

Please use the Term and Condition Required Notification of Harassment form if you are an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) and you are reporting a required notification to NSF.

NSF'S TESTIMONY AT CONGRESSIONAL HEARING

"As the primary funding agency of fundamental science and engineering research in the United States, NSF recognizes that to enable scientists, engineers and students to work at the outermost frontiers of knowledge, the agency must be a role model for teamwork, fairness, and equity." – Rhonda Davis, Head, NSF's Office of Equity and Civil Rights.

On February 27, 2018, Rhonda Davis testified, on behalf of NSF, before the Subcommittee on Research and Technology of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Ms. Davis discussed NSF's new policies and strategies to combat sexual harassment in STEM. To view the full hearing or access written testimony, please visit the Subcommittee on Research and Technology Hearing - A Review of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct in Science.

NSF'S PROMISING PRACTICES

NSF expects all research organizations to ensure harassment-free environments wherever NSF-funded science is conducted. To view NSF promising practices on codes of conduct, training, reporting practices, and other policies and procedures regarding harassment, please visit Promising Practices.

NSF'S TITLE IX FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For more information on Title IX topics, please visit NSF Title IX FAQ webpage.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For any questions, comments or concerns regarding harassment, please contact the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) at programcomplaints@nsf.gov or (703) 292-8020. If you do not receive an acknowledgment within 48 hours, please follow up to ensure OECR has received your communication.

For media and press inquiries, please contact the NSF Public Affairs Office at olpapa@nsf.gov or (703) 292-8070.