Middle East Technical University (METU) enforces comprehensive institutional policies and administrative directives that explicitly protect students, academic staff, and administrative personnel reporting discrimination, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, or related grievances from any educational or employment disadvantage, threats, or retaliation.

Regulatory Framework & Protection against Retaliation (METU Gender Equality and Anti-Harassment Unit Directive)

• Institutional Mandate: Governed by the official METU Directive on the Structure, Duties, Responsibilities, and Working Procedures of the Gender Equality Support and Sexual Harassment Prevention Unit, established in accordance with the Senate-approved Gender Equality Principles and Strategies Document.
• Explicit Protection Clause (Article 4, Paragraph 1-f): The directive mandates that the Unit actively protects reporting individuals and prevents victimization by stating:
  "To inform and warn relevant academic and administrative units against situations of sexual harassment, assault, threats, or retaliation, and to encourage them to take necessary measures." .
• Legal and Human Rights Basis: Built upon Turkish Constitutional equality principles, Turkish Penal Code, Labor Law, CEDAW, the Istanbul Convention, and Higher Education Council (YÖK) regulations, ensuring that all complainants receive full institutional, legal, and administrative support without suffering career or academic disadvantages.

https://citob.metu.edu.tr/tr/belgeler