In 2005, the University established the Waseda University Guidelines for Harassment Prevention with the aim of taking utmost consideration and measures necessary to ensure all students, faculty and staff are each respected as individuals, and can pursue their academic studies or administrative duties without being subject to any form of harassment. Following these guidelines, the University will make all possible efforts to prevent various forms of harassment based on legal principles concerning human rights, and take prompt, appropriate countermeasures regarding any harassment occurring within the university community.
Domestic laws regarding harassment have been newly established, and awareness towards harassment in society has been changing in the 16 years since the University established its harassment prevention guidelines. In order to provide action appropriate to these changes, the University has made amendments to the Waseda University Guidelines for Harassment Prevention.
Main points of revision to the Waseda University Guidelines for Harassment Prevention:
- Added examples of harassment, such as harassment towards the use of maternity leave, child-care leave, nursing leave, etc., harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and other forms of harassment
- Statement on the University’s way of thinking and handling of romantic relationships between faculty/staff and students
- References on power harassment between students
- Declaration of support towards individuals who receive harassment during any type of practical training activities, such as job hunting, internship and teaching practice
Guideline – Harassment Prevention Committee, Waseda University
Furthermore, the University is continuously examining ways to deal with the broadening types of harassment, for example, harassment that takes place online and through social media. With the goal of increasing responsible action, such as providing sincere and prompt support for parties involved, as well as maintaining a comfortable learning and work environment for all, the University intends to continue initiatives towards the prevention of harassment.
