Affirmative Action 

The State Universities are committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action. The State Universities are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people.

The State Universities do not unlawfully discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, or veteran status. The Universities prohibit unlawful discrimination or discriminatory harassment on all of those bases. Such behaviors violate the Universities’ Non-Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Policy, will not be tolerated, and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion.

It is also the policy of the Universities to provide each student, employee, and other person having dealings with the institutions an environment free from unlawful sexual violence and all forms of misconduct on the basis of gender. The State Universities prohibit rape, statutory rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, incest, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, and retaliation. These behaviors violate the Universities’ Sexual Violence Policy, will not be tolerated, and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion.

The State Universities’ Non-Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment and Retaliation Policy and Sexual Violence Policy apply in all University programs and activities, including, but not limited to, athletics, instruction, grading, housing, and employment. They apply to all members of the campus communities, including, but not limited to, students, faculty, librarians, staff, visitors, contractors and applicants for employment or admission. They also apply to off-campus conduct that negatively affects a community member’s experience in the University environment.

Each University has appointed an Equal Opportunity Officer (“EO Officer”) to oversee its compliance with this Plan, as well as the state and federal non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws. Details regarding the EO Officer’s specific duties and responsibilities can be found at Appendix 1. Anyone with questions, concerns or complaints regarding discrimination, discriminatory harassment or retaliation may contact the EO Officer.

Any person with questions or concerns about any form of sexual violence, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking and/or retaliation may also contact:

The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
33 Arch Street, 9th Floor
Boston, MA 02119-1424
(617) 289-0111 Fax
(617) 289-0150; TDD
(877) 521-2172
 

Affirmative Action Plan  Complaint Form