Which actions are considered retaliation within the scope of EO policies?

Retaliation within the scope of Equal Opportunity (EO) policies refers to any adverse action taken against an individual as a consequence of their reporting a complaint or participating in an investigation related to discrimination or harassment. This includes actions that could harm the individual’s reputation, employment, or personal well-being as a result of their participation in the EO process.

By identifying "any adverse action against someone for reporting" as the correct response, it underscores the importance of a protected environment where individuals can report issues without fear of negative consequences. The EO policies are designed to encourage individuals to come forward with allegations of discrimination or sexual harassment and ensure that they are safeguarded from retaliation that could discourage them or others from reporting similar issues in the future.

In the context of the other options, rewarding a victim for reporting, ignoring a report, and offering support to a victim do not reflect retaliatory actions. In fact, rewarding or offering support aligns with fostering a safe environment for reporting, while ignoring a report does not represent an adverse action directly tied to retaliation against the complainant. Each of these actions is focused on enhancing the victim's experience rather than punishing them for speaking out.