Anti-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policies (10.6.4)

Policies ensuring protection from discrimination and harassment across all university activities.

Introduction:

Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) maintains a comprehensive Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy (PS 45 – SDG10.4) designed to ensure a safe, fair, and inclusive environment for all members of its community—students, faculty, and staff alike. The policy establishes a zero-tolerance framework for any form of discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment based on gender, nationality, disability, religion, or socioeconomic background.

AAU’s policy is institutionally embedded within its Strategies and Policies Committee, the Sustainability and Ranking Office, and the Human Resources and Institutional Development Unit, ensuring both governance-level oversight and operational accountability. The policy is publicly available and reviewed annually to align with national legislation and international best practices in equity and inclusion.

The Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy aims to:

Protect the rights and dignity of every individual by maintaining a discrimination-free and harassment-free university environment.

Promote equal opportunity, respect, and mutual understanding within all academic and administrative units.

Provide clear reporting, monitoring, and response mechanisms for complaints, supported by the Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Complaints Procedure.

Training and awareness programs are regularly conducted for staff and students to strengthen the culture of equity and respect, while periodic policy reviews ensure continuous improvement and compliance. Through this structured approach, AAU demonstrates its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and ethical integrity, reflecting its alignment with SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities and SDG 5 – Gender Equality.

Centers and Departments:

January
01

1. Human Resources and Institutional Development Unit

Responsible for implementing and monitoring the Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy across all university units. It ensures that staff recruitment, evaluation, and professional development are conducted in line with principles of equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination.

January
01

2. Sustainability and International Ranking Center

Integrates anti-discrimination and equity principles into university-wide sustainability frameworks, SDG reporting, and social inclusion initiatives. The center also ensures that policy outcomes are reflected in AAU’s SDG10 reporting and awareness campaigns.

January
01

3. Deanship of Student Affairs

Ensures that student complaints, conduct, and welfare procedures adhere to the anti-discrimination framework. It provides awareness workshops, counseling, and protection services for students exposed to any form of bias or harassment.

January
01

4. Strategies and Policies Committee

Oversees the annual review and update of the policy, ensuring alignment with national laws and international standards. The committee tracks institutional compliance, develops improvement plans, and reports to the Deans’ Council.

Activities:

January
01

1. Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Awareness Workshops

In collaboration with the Human Resources and Institutional Development Unit and the Sustainability and Global Ranking Center, Al-Ahliyya Amman University conducts annual workshops to raise awareness among staff and students about anti-discrimination principles, workplace ethics, and reporting mechanisms. These workshops emphasize gender equality, respect for diversity, and the importance of maintaining a safe and inclusive environment across all university operations.

January
01

2. Policy Implementation and Complaint-Handling Training Sessions

The Strategies and Policies Committee organizes targeted training sessions for department heads and administrative supervisors on how to apply the Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy in daily operations. The sessions include guidance on identifying, reporting, and resolving cases of bias or misconduct while ensuring confidentiality and fairness for all parties.

January
01

3. Student-Centered Equality Awareness Campaigns

Through the Deanship of Student Affairs, periodic campaigns are held across campus—especially during orientation week—to educate new and continuing students on their rights, responsibilities, and the university’s zero-tolerance stance toward harassment or discrimination. These campaigns use posters, digital screens, and workshops to build a culture of equality, inclusion, and respect.

January
01

4. Annual Policy Review and Improvement Program

Every year, the Strategies and Policies Committee and Human Resources Unit review all reported cases, feedback from staff and students, and national legal updates to refine the policy. The findings are shared with the Deans’ Council and used to strengthen protection mechanisms, enhance transparency, and improve reporting channels.

January
01

5. Faculty Of Allied Medical Sciences – Occupational Therapy Department

The Occupational Therapy Department offers help to all individal of all ages to overcome physical and emotional challenges . The facuilty helps to insure the wellbeing of all their individuals.

While maintaining values of justice and freedom and dignity. Which directlty contribtes to SDG-10.6.8 which provides support services for people with disabilities.

And raising awareness about mental issues and keeping a respecatble and well being community.

Inclusive Education Policy PDF