Duke University is committed to the robust exchange of diverse perspectives and to accepting individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Duke University policy expressly prohibits discrimination and harassment based on age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or veteran status. This prohibition includes discrimination and harassment based on the perception of each of these protected characteristics, even if that perception is incorrect. This policy also prohibits related misconduct, such as sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. Further details on this policy are provided by the Office for Institutional Equity at https://oie.duke.edu/ppdhrm.
In the Economics Department, we affirm these University values and policies. We are committed to fostering free, open, and critical academic inquiry in an environment that is welcoming, respectful, and supportive of all its members. This includes all full- and part-time students and employees, including faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, and visitors. We expect everyone in our community to act professionally; and to contribute to and maintain an inclusive and welcoming environment in which all are treated with courtesy, respect, and dignity. We also reject complicity that knowingly promotes, encourages, or protects discrimination or unprofessional behavior on the part of others.
The remainder of this document describes different channels for voicing concerns both within and outside of our department. We take the use of these mechanisms seriously and will not tolerate retaliation against those who make good faith use of them.
1. Within the Economics Department
Who can be contacted for help?
We encourage those with grievances, concerns, or suggestions to communicate with a trusted mentor, staff, or faculty member, including but not limited to the following members of our department:
- Charles Becker, MSEC Program Director of Graduate Studies. cbecker@econ.duke.edu
- Jennifer Becker, EcoTeach Administrative Coordinator. jennifer.becker@duke.edu
- Connel Fullenkamp, Director of Undergraduate Studies. cfullenk@duke.edu
- Grace Kim, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies. grace.kim@duke.edu
- Kent Kimbrough, MAE Program Director of Graduate Studies. kent.kimbrough@duke.edu
- Christyn Klinck, Graduate Studies Program Coordinator. christyn.klinck@duke.edu
- Timur Kuran, MAPE Program Director of Graduate Studies. t.kuran@duke.edu
- James Roberts, Department Chair. j.roberts@duke.edu
- Adam Rosen, PhD Program Director of Graduate Studies. adam.rosen@duke.edu
- Christopher Timmins, EcoTeach Director. christopher.timmins@duke.edu
These department representatives will respond as soon as possible. Confidentiality requests will be respected to the greatest degree possible in order to address concerns adequately, within the bounds set by University Policy and Law. However, we must be clear that any account of a violation of Duke University policy may necessitate a report outside of the department, providing names and report details, even if confidentiality is requested. In contrast, some university representatives outside of the Economics Department are not subject to these reporting obligations and are able to keep information confidential. These are listed in the next section.
Timely reporting is essential. Harassment by a student is actionable until the accused student graduates. For reports against others, however, there is no time limit for filing a complaint.
What should I expect from a report?
For behavior that is unprofessional but not discriminatory, department representatives may take appropriate actions, possibly in consultation with offices outside the department, such as the Office of Staff and Labor Relations in Human Resources. For behavior that involves discrimination or harassment, department representatives will report to the Office of Institutional Equity or the Duke University Office of Student Conduct to address the complaint.
The department will follow-up with any individual who files a grievance about actions that have been taken in response to their grievance in a timely and appropriate manner. If an individual has questions about how a grievance has been addressed, or about ongoing steps to address a grievance, they are encouraged to inquire with the department representatives regarding actions that have been and/or are being taken to address the grievance.
2. Outside of the Economics Department
Who can be contacted for help?
The following is a list of University representatives and offices that can assist with reporting grievances, concerns, or suggestions. Additional resources and information can also be found at the graduate school website at https://gradschool.duke.edu/student-life/student-resources.
Offices/people that can keep your information confidential:
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), 919-660-1000,
- Women’s Center, 919-684-3897 or 919-970-2108 (after hours),
- Student Health, 919-681-9355,
- Clergy who are acting as such in their professional role at Duke.
Offices/people that are required to report your information:
- Office for Institutional Equity (OIE), 919-684-8222,
- Office of Student Conduct, 919-684-6938,
- DukeReach, 919-681-2455.