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Free Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy Template

A strong anti-harassment policy explains what is not allowed, gives employees more than one way to report a problem, and promises that reports will be investigated without retaliation. It includes the elements courts and the U.S. EEOC have long looked for in an effective policy: clear rules, more than one way to report, prompt investigation and no retaliation.

Download free (Word .docx) Free · No sign-up · Opens in Microsoft Word and Google Docs · Last reviewed October 2026

Important: please read

This template is a free starting point, not legal advice. MadyHR.ai is not a law firm and cannot give legal advice. Employment law is different in every state, and some cities have their own rules. Laws also change. Before you use this template, check it against the laws where your employees work, and speak to an employment attorney or your state labor department if you are unsure. You use this template at your own risk, and MadyHR.ai accepts no responsibility for how it is used. Links to official government websites are given for information only; MadyHR.ai is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.

When to use this template

Every employer, regardless of size
Handbooks and onboarding
After a complaint, to remind staff of the rules

Tips before you use it

Give at least two reporting routes, so an employee never has to report to the person harassing them.
Some states (for example California, New York, Illinois and Connecticut) require harassment training or specific policy content. Check your state.
Investigate every report promptly, even informal ones.

Rules in your state may differ. Federal law sets the minimum. Your state — and sometimes your city or county — may add extra rules on this topic. Check with your state labor department before you use this template. Find your state labor office (U.S. Department of Labor)

Template preview

Replace everything in [brackets] and delete the notes for employers before you use it. The Word download contains the full template.

[Company Name]

Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy

Our commitment

[Company Name] is committed to a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. This policy applies to all employees, managers, contractors, interns and visitors, at work, at work events and online.

What is prohibited

Harassment is unwelcome conduct based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other protected characteristic. Examples include:

Slurs, offensive jokes, name-calling or insults
Unwanted touching, sexual advances or requests for sexual favors
Offensive pictures, messages or objects
Threats, intimidation or physical assault
Treating someone worse because they rejected an advance

We expect conduct that is respectful even when it would not meet the legal definition of harassment.

How to report

If you experience or see harassment, report it to any of the following:

Your manager
[HR Contact Name] at [HR Contact Email]
[Second Contact Name and Title]

You do not have to report to someone involved in the behavior. You may report verbally or in writing.

Investigation

We will investigate reports promptly, fairly and as confidentially as possible. We will take appropriate action, which may include discipline up to and including termination.

No retaliation

We will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who reports harassment in good faith or takes part in an investigation. Retaliation is a serious violation of this policy.

Outside agencies

Employees may also contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov) or their state fair employment agency.

This policy is not a contract of employment and does not change the at-will nature of employment with [Company Name]. [Company Name] may change this policy at any time, and will apply it in line with federal, state and local law.

I have received and read this policy, and I understand it.

Employee

Signature

Date

Download free (Word .docx)

Frequently asked questions

What should an anti-harassment policy include?

A clear statement that harassment is prohibited, examples of prohibited conduct, several ways to report, a promise of prompt and fair investigation, confidentiality to the extent possible, a ban on retaliation, and consequences for violations.

Does harassment have to be sexual to be illegal?

No. Unwelcome conduct based on any protected characteristic — such as race, religion, national origin, age or disability — can be unlawful harassment when it is severe or pervasive, or results in an adverse employment decision.

Official sources

Each source below is an official U.S. government website. Check them for the latest rules.

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