| General University Policies |
Introduction
In accordance with federal and state laws, Oregon State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status. In addition, the University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Oregon State University, as an institution of higher education and as a community of scholars, affirms its commitment to the elimination of discrimination and harassment, and the provision of equal opportunity for all. An objective of Oregon State University is the creation and maintenance of a positive atmosphere of nondiscrimination in every phase and activity of university operations.
Harassment and intimidation can impede an individual's ability to participate fully in the educational process. Acts of discrimination, harassment and insensitivity hurt and degrade all members of the campus community whether victim, perpetrator, or observer. Every member of the university community is responsible for creating and maintaining a climate free of discriminatory harassment.
POLICY PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATORY HARASSMENT
Oregon State University policy prohibits behavior based on another's status that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment. Status refers to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.
This policy is not intended to and will not be applied in a way that would violate rights to academic freedom and freedom of expression.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Oregon State University's Sexual Harassment Policy is available on this Web site. Order printed copies of the policy from the Affirmative Action Office.
RESPONDING TO COMPLAINTS OF DISCRIMINATORY HARASSMENT
All members of the university community may raise complaints with the Affirmative Action Office. The Affirmative Action Office handles both informal and formal complaints of discrimination and discriminatory harassment. To initiate a complaint, students, employees, applicants, and other members of the university community may make an appointment to meet with the Director or Investigations Officer of the Affirmative Action Office. If the problem cannot be resolved informally, a formal complaint may be filed. The Director or Investigations Officer will guide the individual through the procedures of filing a formal complaint. This step can be taken in addition to those options listed below for students, faculty, and staff. Information on Discrimination Complaint Procedures will be available from this Web site. Printed copies of the procedures can be ordered from the Affirmative Action Office.
A. Students
Students may resolve informal complaints with the assistance of various campus offices and
departments. They can find help through the Office of the Dean of Students, their living
group director or advisor, their academic advisor, or the appropriate department chair or
dean. The "Student Life Policy and Regulations," found in the Schedule of
Classes, describe the grievance and appeals procedures for students. Copies are available
in the Office of the Dean of Students.
B. Classified Staff
Classified staff may meet with their supervisor or the Director of Human Resources.
Classified staff employees represented by the Oregon Public Employees Union (OPEU) should
refer to Article 22, "No Discrimination," and Article 21, "Grievance and
Arbitration Procedures," of the collective bargaining agreement between the State of
Oregon and OPEU; members of the Graphic Communications International Union should refer to
Article 6, "Nondiscrimination," and Article 29, "Grievance and
Arbitration," of their respective documents; management service employees are covered
by State Personnel and Labor Relations Division rule 105-80-008-02. Copies are available
in the Human Resources Office.
C. Academic Staff
Academic staff employees may meet with the department chair, director, or dean. The OSU
Faculty Handbook describes the informal and formal grievance procedure for academic staff.
Copies of the Faculty Handbook are available in the Office of Academic Affairs.
D. Sanctions
Acts of discriminatory harassment and other behavior that creates an intimidating,
hostile, or offensive environment fall within the grounds for sanctions for cause for
academic staff (OAR 580-21-320 and following) and grounds for disciplinary action for
classified staff (OPEU collective bargaining agreement, Article 28), and management
service employees (State Personnel and Labor Relations Division Rules, 105-80-003 and
105-80-004). Sanctions range from counseling and reprimand to termination of employment.
The Student Life Policy and Regulations prohibit hazing, harassing, threatening, or intimidating actions, or any practice by a student or group of students which abuses, endangers, jeopardizes personal safety, or interferes with official duties, class attendance, or educational pursuits of any person. Violation of this rule may result in disciplinary action ranging from warning and loss of privileges to suspension and expulsion.
E. Retaliation and False Accusations
An individual filing a complaint or grievance in good faith shall not be subject to
retaliatory action. An individual found to have knowingly and intentionally filed a false
complaint or grievance will be subject to sanction.
F. Sanction Limitations
Some forms of offensive language and behavior may not be subject to sanction; the
university is bound to respect and protect rights secured by the Oregon and United States
constitutions and principles of academic freedom. To the extent that discriminatory
behavior is offensive but not subject to sanction, the university will attempt to use the
educational process and the actions below to address the issue or incident.
ADDITIONAL EFFORTS TO ADDRESS DISCRIMINATORY HARASSMENT
Discriminatory harassment is unacceptable at Oregon State University. In order to prevent and respond to such conduct, university employees and representatives will:
A. Work to prevent discriminatory acts from occurring through policies, statements, educational programs and courses, awareness-raising efforts, and training programs;
B. Actively work to promote a campus climate and work environment that is open to and welcomes all persons;
C. Promptly and clearly speak out against such actions when they occur;
D. Model the type of civilized and respectful behavior that is expected of all persons at Oregon State University (e.g., supervisor to employee, co-worker to co-worker, dean and chair to faculty, advisor to student leader, student leader to student, student to guest);
E. Resolve disputes and misunderstandings in a respectful and open manner befitting a university, through the use of discourse, mediation, and education where appropriate;
F. Routinely record and publicize, within legal guidelines and with respect for privacy and confidentiality, all reported incidents of discrimination and harassment on the OSU campus and at university-sponsored activities and facilities.
For additional information, contact:
Affirmative Action Office, Room 526
Administrative Services Building
Oregon State University
541-737-3556
October 1995