National Science Foundation Proposes Sexual Harassment And Assault Reporting Requirements

In the wake of the #MeToo Movement, the National Science Foundation ("NSF") has released a proposed policy seeking to impose sexual harassment and assault-related reporting requirements on Colleges and Universities ("Institutions").

If adopted, Institutions will have to notify NSF if they find that a Principal Investigator ("PI") or Co-Investigator ("Co-PI") on an NSF-funded research project has engaged in harassment or sexual assault. Institutions will also have to notify NSF if they place a Co-PI or PI on administrative leave due to an allegation or finding of harassment or sexual assault.

A violation must be reported to NSF even if it occurs off-campus—including on-line, at field sites and at conferences and workshops. The Institution will have seven days after a finding or administrative leave placement to notify NSF.