Notice of Non-Discrimination

The University is committed to ensuring equal opportunity and prohibiting illegal discrimination and inappropriate behavior in all aspects of employment and for students in educational and extracurricular programs and activities.

Discrimination, including harassment and bullying, on the basis of a legally protected characteristic is illegal and prohibited. Inappropriate behavior based on a legally protected characteristic is unacceptable and may be cause for discipline even if it does not rise to the level of illegal discrimination.

The University will not tolerate illegal discrimination or inappropriate behavior based on any legally protected characteristic, in any University program or activity, including employment, admissions, extracurricular and educational programs. All members of the University community will create and maintain an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment and one in which employees, students, applicants and visitors are treated with dignity and respect.

Legally Protected Characteristics

  • Race
  • Ethnicity
  • Color
  • National origin
  • Age
  • Citizenship or immigration status
  • Pregnancy, or use of protective leave
  • Genetic status
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity
  • Gender expression
  • Marital status
  • Creed
  • Religion
  • Veteran or military status
  • Disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability

What is Discrimination and Harassment?

Discrimination

Discrimination is conduct that is based upon a legally protected characteristic that excludes an individual from participation, denies the individual the benefits of, treats the individual differently or otherwise adversely affects a term or condition of an individual’s employment, education, living environment or participation in a University program or activity. This includes failing to provide reasonable accommodation, consistent with state and federal law, to persons with disabilities.

Harassment

Harassment is a form of discrimination. Bullying is a subset of harassment. Examples of harassment and bullying include name-calling, graphic or written statements (including cyber), or physical conduct that is threatening, harmful or humiliating and that is based, at least in part, on a legally protected characteristic. Harassment does not have to include intent to harm, be directed at a specific target, or involve repeated incidents.

 

Retaliation

The University, based on civil rights law, prohibits retaliation or encouraging others to retaliate against anyone reporting or thought to have reported a violation of this Policy. This means that any type of adverse action or behavior is prohibited against a student or employee who expresses a concern or complaint to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, or against a formal complainant, respondent or witness involved in a discrimination complaint investigation. Such retaliation will be considered independently, whether or not a complaint of discrimination is substantiated.

Administrative Remedy

If faculty, staff, or students believe they have been treated unfairly based on one of the legally protected characteristics listed above, they may contact our office for advice and assistance. We are dedicated to trying to informally resolve and mediate discrimination concerns, if possible, and to investigating and resolving formal complaints should they be filed.

Workplace Posters

Please visit Human Resources' Required Employment Notices webpage for workplace posters, including related to workplace discrimination and pay transparency non-discrimination.