Sustainable AASTMT

2022-2023

The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) is resolutely aligned with the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) and is unwavering in its dedication to eradicating discrimination in all its forms. AASTMT's discrimination policy is firmly rooted in the framework of SDG 8, which emphasizes fair and inclusive economic growth, decent work, and the promotion of equal opportunities for all. Discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, or any other characteristic is expressly prohibited within the institution. AASTMT is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment that not only adheres to the principles of SDG 8 but actively contributes to its realization. By fostering a campus culture that values diversity and ensures that every member of the AASTMT community is treated with respect and dignity, the institution actively supports SDG 8's vision of promoting fair wages, equal opportunities, and non-discriminatory practices in the workplace and educational settings.

Anti-Harassment Policy

Description
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) is committed to creating a workplace that promotes mutual respect and dignity for all its employees. Every individual is entitled to work in an environment that ensures equal employment opportunities and prohibits harassment. Consequently, AASTMT expects that all interactions among students, staff, faculty, and employees will be conducted professionally and devoid of any explicit bias, prejudice, or harassment.

Scope
•This policy applies to all staff, students, employees, and applicants who work or study at the Academy, regardless of whether the act was committed by coworkers or by someone not directly affiliated with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (e.g., an outside vendor, consultant, or customer).

•The behavior forbidden by these principles is inappropriate inside or outside the AASTMTs campuses (classes, labs, dorms, offices or any education/work-related environment inside the AASTMT) or outside the campuses, such as during students/business trips, meetings, and students/ business-related social events.

This policy is non-contractual and may be updated at any time.

Aims of the Policy

The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport has implemented this policy to guarantee that all students and employees experience an environment free from unlawful harassment and retaliation. The Academy will make every reasonable effort to ensure that all individuals are informed of these policies and understand that any complaints regarding violations will be thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.

Definitions

Harassment: This refers to behaviors that are unsolicited, unwanted, and inappropriate, causing distress to those affected. Harassing behavior may be physical, verbal, or suggestive and can occur in person or through electronic means. It encompasses various actions, including but not limited to the misuse of power intended to harm others (bullying), intimidation (whether actual or attempted), unsolicited advances, direct insults, and malicious gossip. For behavior to be classified as harassment, it must either occur repeatedly or constitute a single serious incident. Harassment does not include legitimate decisions, requests, work assignments, and performance evaluations made by supervisors; disciplinary actions based on university-approved regulations; reasonable expressions of opinion and criticism; or interpersonal conflicts that remain within the bounds of what an individual can reasonably be expected to tolerate in high-pressure situations.

Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is strictly prohibited under Egyptian law. For the purposes of this policy, "sexual harassment" is defined as unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Policy Statement

This policy should not be used to exclude or isolate any individuals based on their gender identity or any other protected characteristic from educational or work-related activities or discussions at the Academy. In other words, no one should mistakenly use exclusion to evade harassment allegations. The statutes and regulations of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport prohibit discrimination based on sex or any other protected characteristic concerning educational or employment terms, conditions, privileges, and benefits. The prohibitions against harassment and retaliation are intended to complement and strengthen these regulations, rather than serve as a justification for exclusion.

Procedures

Reporting an Incident of Harassment

The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport strongly encourages the reporting of any perceived instances of harassment regardless of the offender’s name or position. Individuals who believe they have been the victim of such behavior should:

In case of students: speak with the student affairs department representative or the college vice dean for students’ affairs.

In case of staff member/employee: speak with their immediate supervisor, a member of the personnel practices committee, human resources, or an ombudsman.

Please refer to the complaint method outlined below.

Additionally, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport advises individuals who suspect they are being subjected to such conduct to notify the perpetrator immediately and request that the behavior cease. Often, this action is sufficient to resolve the issue. However, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport understands that an individual may wish to pursue the problem through formal complaint procedures.

Complaint Procedures

Individuals who believe they have been victims of or have witnessed activities prohibited by this policy should express their concerns to their immediate representative in the student affairs department, the college vice dean for student affairs, their supervisor, human resources, any member of the personnel practices committee, or an ombudsman.

The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport encourages early reporting of complaints or concerns to facilitate swift and constructive action before relationships become irreparably strained. Therefore, while there is no specific reporting timeframe, early notification and intervention are the most effective ways to resolve actual or perceived instances of harassment.

Allegations of harassment will be investigated promptly. The investigation may involve individual interviews with those directly involved and, when appropriate, with individuals who may have witnessed the alleged behavior or possess relevant information.

The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport will uphold confidentiality throughout the investigation, to the extent necessary for a thorough inquiry and appropriate corrective measures.

Retaliation against anyone for reporting harassment or for cooperating with an investigation into a harassment allegation is a serious violation of this policy and, like harassment, will lead to disciplinary action. Any retaliatory actions should be reported immediately and will be addressed promptly. Both harassment and retaliation will be handled accordingly

Responsive action may include but is not limited to:

• For students: Consequences may include training and counseling, verbal or written warnings, temporary suspension from the college, or expulsion.
• For staff members or employees: Actions may involve training, referral to counseling, or disciplinary measures such as warnings, reprimands, withholding promotions or pay raises, reassignment, temporary suspension without pay, or termination, as deemed appropriate by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport

Review program

Non-discrimination Policy

Description
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) is committed to creating an environment of mutual respect and dignity for all its members. Everyone has the right to work in an atmosphere that promotes equal opportunities and prohibits unlawful discrimination. AASTMT firmly asserts its dedication to ensuring that no student, staff member, or visitor experiences discrimination based on age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, socio-economic background, or trade union membership. Additionally, the Academy actively opposes any assumptions or expectations about students or staff based on stereotypes, ensuring that diverse cultural, religious, and academic perspectives are adequately represented in the AASTMT learning and working environment.

Consequently, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport expects that all interactions among its members and stakeholders will be formal, professional, and free from explicit bias, prejudice, and discrimination.

Scope
This policy applies to all staff, students, employees, and applicants associated with the Academy, regardless of whether the misconduct was perpetrated by coworkers or by individuals not directly affiliated with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (e.g., outside vendors, consultants, or customers).

• The behaviors prohibited by this policy are deemed inappropriate both on and off AASTMT campuses, including classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, offices, or any educational or work-related environments. This also extends to activities outside the campuses, such as during student or business trips, meetings, and social events related to students or business.
• This policy is non-contractual and may be revised at any time.

Aims of the Policy

The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport has implemented this policy to guarantee that all staff, students, employees, and applicants operate in an environment free from unlawful discrimination. The Academy makes every reasonable effort to ensure that all individuals are informed about these policies and understand that any complaint alleging a violation will be investigated and addressed appropriately.

Definitions

Discrimination
The principle of non-discrimination assumes an environment where everyone can fully participate and realize their potential. This also necessitates that individuals are free to express their opinions without undue limitations.

Discrimination based on any other protected characteristic is equally unlawful. In this policy, discrimination is defined as verbal, written, or physical behavior that disparages or shows hostility or aversion toward any individual based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic, as well as that of their relatives, friends, or associates. Such conduct may: a) have the purpose or effect of creating a hostile learning or work environment.

This conduct includes epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, threatening, intimidating, or hostile actions, and written or graphic materials that disparage or demonstrate hostility or aversion toward an individual or group. This includes content posted on walls, distributed on AASTMT’s various social media channels, or sent via email, phone (including voice messages), text messages, or other means.

In this regard, all individuals must be treated equally, and all forms of:

•        admission, assessment, degree progress, and awarding of degrees (students)
•  recruitment, evaluation, promotion, and rewarding (employees)
•  invitation, collaboration, and participation (partners and guests)
  
  

Equal opportunity

The policy of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport is to guarantee equal educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport.

Retaliation
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport encourages the reporting of all perceived incidents of discrimination. It is the Academy's policy to investigate these reports promptly and thoroughly. Additionally, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports discrimination or participates in an investigation related to such reports.

Policy Statement

Our policies must not be used to exclude or separate individuals based on their gender identity or any other protected characteristic from learning, training, business, or social activities involving students or staff, as well as discussions. In other words, no one should mistakenly use discrimination or exclusion as a means to avoid accountability. The statutes and regulations of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport prohibit discrimination based on sex or any other protected characteristic in terms, conditions, privileges, and benefits of education and employment. The prohibitions against discrimination and retaliation are intended to complement and reinforce these regulations, not to provide a basis for exemption.

Procedures
Reporting an Incident of Discrimination or Retaliation

The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport strongly encourages reporting any perceived instances of discrimination or retaliation, regardless of the offender's name or position:

For students:

• Speak with a representative from the student affairs department or the college vice dean for student affairs.
• For staff members/employees: Consult with their immediate supervisor, a member of the personnel practices committee, human resources, or an ombudsman.

Please refer to the complaint procedures outlined below.

Additionally, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport advises individuals who believe they are experiencing such conduct to notify the perpetrator immediately and request that the behavior stop. Often, this action is sufficient to resolve the issue. However, the Academy understands that an individual may prefer to address the matter through formal complaint procedures.

Please refer to the complaint methods outlined below.

Complaint Procedures

Individuals who believe they have been victims of, or have witnessed, activities prohibited by this policy should express their concerns to their immediate student affairs department representative, the college vice dean for student affairs, their supervisor, human resources, any member of the personnel practices committee, or an ombudsman.

The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport encourages early reporting of complaints or concerns to facilitate swift and constructive action before relationships become irreparably strained. Consequently, while there is no specific reporting timeframe, early reporting and intervention are the most effective means of resolving actual or perceived instances of discrimination.

Allegations of discrimination or retaliation will be investigated promptly. The investigation may include individual interviews with the involved parties and, as appropriate, with individuals who may have witnessed the alleged conduct or have relevant information.

The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport will maintain confidentiality throughout the investigation, to the extent necessary for a thorough inquiry and appropriate corrective action.

Retaliation against any individual for reporting discrimination or for cooperating with an inquiry into allegations of harassment or discrimination is a serious violation of this policy. Like discrimination, it will lead to disciplinary action. Retaliatory actions should be reported immediately and will be addressed promptly. All instances of discrimination and retaliation will be handled accordingly.

Responsive action may include but is not limited to:

For students: Possible actions include training and counseling, verbal or written warnings, temporary college suspension, or expulsion.

For staff members or employees: Potential measures include training, referral to counseling, or disciplinary actions such as warnings, reprimands, withholding promotions or pay raises, reassignment, temporary suspension without pay, or termination, as deemed appropriate by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport.

Review program

AASTMT Harassment Policy and Anti-discrimination Policy

The AASTMT is also making efforts to collaborate with relevant associations to fight discrimination in many work sectors.

AASTMT celebrates the International Day for Women and Girls in Science

On February 11, 2023, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) celebrated the International Day of Girls and Women in Science, reaffirming its commitment to fostering gender equality and supporting women’s participation in STEM fields. This event aligns strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, particularly in its aim to fight discrimination and promote inclusive employment practices. By highlighting the achievements of female scientists and offering mentorship opportunities, AASTMT provided a platform to inspire young women to pursue careers in science and technology, fields where women remain underrepresented. The celebration addressed barriers women face in STEM and encouraged both the academic and business communities to create equitable pathways for women to thrive professionally.

Central to the event was the promotion of fair employment practices and the elimination of discrimination based on gender, essential elements of SDG 8. AASTMT encouraged companies and organizations to adopt inclusive hiring practices, pay equity, and supportive work environments, ensuring that women in STEM receive equal opportunities and compensation. The celebration served not only as an inspiring event but also as a call to action for institutions to commit to workplace equity and inclusivity, helping to reduce gender-based disparities in high-growth fields. Through such initiatives, AASTMT actively contributes to building a more equitable and diverse workforce, paving the way for sustainable economic growth that includes everyone.

Read more about this event on AASTMT news:

Celebrating Diversity:  AASTMT workshop with the university of Stockholm

On February 12, 2023, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) celebrated the International Day of Girls and Women in Science, reaffirming its commitment to fostering gender equality and supporting women’s participation in STEM fields. This event aligns strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, particularly in its aim to fight discrimination and promote inclusive employment practices. By highlighting the achievements of female scientists and offering mentorship opportunities, AASTMT provided a platform to inspire young women to pursue careers in science and technology, fields where women remain underrepresented. The celebration addressed barriers women face in STEM and encouraged both the academic and business communities to create equitable pathways for women to thrive professionally.

Central to the event was the promotion of fair employment practices and the elimination of discrimination based on gender, essential elements of SDG 8. AASTMT encouraged companies and organizations to adopt inclusive hiring practices, pay equity, and supportive work environments, ensuring that women in STEM receive equal opportunities and compensation. The celebration served not only as an inspiring event but also as a call to action for institutions to commit to workplace equity and inclusivity, helping to reduce gender-based disparities in high-growth fields. Through such initiatives, AASTMT actively contributes to building a more equitable and diverse workforce, paving the way for sustainable economic growth that includes everyone.

AASTMT students participate in TV programs awards with the theme of ending discrimination

On December 19, 2022, students from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) took part in a prestigious TV program competition focused on the theme of ending discrimination. This contest offered a platform for young voices to showcase creative media productions that tackled issues of prejudice and inequality. By producing TV content aimed at dismantling stereotypes and promoting social unity, these students played a crucial role in advancing public understanding and awareness of discrimination's harmful impacts. The event underscored the power of media as a tool for social change, with student participants passionately advocating for inclusivity through storytelling, interviews, and real-life examples of overcoming bias.

The theme of the contest aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. One of the key principles of SDG 8 is to reduce inequality and create fair work environments free from discrimination, aligning with the students’ efforts to address social barriers. By highlighting discriminatory practices in workplaces and broader society, the AASTMT students’ TV programs sought to advocate for equitable opportunities for all individuals, regardless of background. This alignment with SDG 8 reinforces the importance of anti-discrimination efforts as a foundational step toward a more inclusive and prosperous global economy, one that thrives on diversity and equal rights.

Read more about this event on AASTMT news page: