Wright State University
Policy number: 4001
Subject: Equal Educational and Employment
Opportunity Policies and Affirmative Action Plan
Date issued: Revised/June 2008
Authority:
Board of Trustees
Resolution 87-20 (November 26, 1986);
Board of Trustees Resolution 94-3 (October 6, 1993);
General Memorandum from the President of the University (January 14, 1987);
General Memo No. 3-Amended, ratified by the Board of Trustees (August 11, 1971);
General Memo No. 3-Amended (August 5, 1971);
General Memo No. 3 (June 1, 1971);
General Memo No. 1-Amended (July 1, 1970);
General Memo No. 1 amended by the Board of Trustees (June 17, 1970);
General Memo No. 1 (April 27, 1970)
References: Office of
Affirmative Action Programs
4001.1 General Memorandum from the President of the University
4001.2 Statement of Policy
4001.3 Organization for Affirmative Action Programs
4001.4 Policies and Programs Affecting Specific Groups
4001.5 General Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Programs
4001.6 Employment and Placement Practices
4001.7 Promotion, Demotion, Layoff, Recall, and Transfer
4001.8 Compensation and Benefits
4001.9 Construction Projects
4001.10 Subcontractors and Purchases
4001.11 Placement Services
4001.12 Facilities and Activities
4001.13 Labor Relations
4001.14 Responsibility of Managers
4001.15 Goals
4001.16 Reporting and Records
4001.17 Applicable Law
4001.18 Affirmative Action Complaint Procedure
4001.19 Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Recruitment
Procedures for Faculty and Professional Staff
4001.20 Affirmative Action Program for Persons with Disabilities
4001.20 Appendix to Section 4001.20
4001.21 Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment
4001.22 Affirmative Action Program for Vietnam Era and
Disabled Veterans
4001.23 Inclusive Language Policy
4001.24 Checklist for Visual Materials
Policy number: 4001
Subject: Equal Educational and Employment
Opportunity Policies and Affirmative Action Plan
Date issued: Revised/June 2008
Authority:
Board of Trustees
Resolution 87-20 (November 26, 1986);
Board of Trustees Resolution 94-3 (October 6, 1993);
General Memorandum from the President of the University (January 14, 1987);
General Memo No. 3-Amended, ratified by the Board of Trustees (August 11, 1971);
General Memo No. 3-Amended (August 5, 1971);
General Memo No. 3 (June 1, 1971);
General Memo No. 1-Amended (July 1, 1970);
General Memo No. 1 amended by the Board of Trustees (June 17, 1970);
General Memo No. 1 (April 27, 1970)
References: Office of
Affirmative Action Programs
4001.1 General Memorandum
from the President of the University
Wright State University is committed to the success of
its students, faculty, and staff. The supportive environment we provide is designed
to encourage the academic pursuits of all members of our university community,
including diverse abilities and educational backgrounds; ethnic and cultural
heritages; family experiences and economic means; physical and learning differences;
geographically mobile and place bound circumstances; and career and life aspirations.
Our shared objective is to forge this diversity into an environment of shared
academic excellence. We recognize that the success of each individual strengthens
our community. Thus all members of our university community, whether students,
employees, or both, must have a full and equal opportunity to develop and
utilize their potential.
The University thus firmly rejects discrimination on the basis of race, sex
(including gender identity/expression), color, religion, ancestry, national
origin, age, disability, veteran status, military status, or sexual orientation
because such discrimination both subverts academic freedom and inherently
undermines the full utilization of abilities and potential on which the universitys
shared pursuit of excellence is based.
A key element of the universitys mission is to serve as a catalyst
for transforming the lives of the students and communities we serve. Mindful
of that mission and our responsibility to teach by example, we will maintain
high ethical standards in all of our relationships and activities through
open communication, trust, professionalism, and a spirit of collaboration.
Since Wright State is a public institution, our commitment to pursue academic
excellence through full and equal opportunity is fundamental to our existence
as a university. That commitment will be most effectively implemented with
the full support and generosity of spirit which characterizes a collegial
organization at its best.
It is therefore the policy of Wright State University not only to avoid discrimination,
but to go further. The university will act affirmatively to identify and eliminate
any artificial barriers that may exclude or impede members of certain groups
in their pursuit of excellence. Such affirmative action will address the treatment
of persons who are already members of the university community, as well as
applicants for admission or employment.
It is therefore important that each of us make a personal commitment to join
in our shared pursuit of these twin goals: vigorous pursuit of academic excellence
through shared full and equal opportunity. Thank you for joining in this enterprise.
David R. Hopkins
President
June 2008
4001.2 Statement of
Policy
- Equal Opportunity in Employment
- Wright State University provides equal employment opportunity. In its
employment policies and practices, the university prohibits discrimination
against any person or group on the basis of race, sex (including gender
identity/expression), color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age,
disability, veteran status, military status, or sexual orientation. Each
contractor which deals with the university will be expected to establish
and comply with the same prohibition.
- This policy of equal opportunity applies to all aspects of employment,
including initial hiring, position or work assignment, training, promotion,
disciplinary action, and termination, of academic and non-academic employees.
As indicated more specifically in Section 4001.19 through Section 4001.23
of this policy, it also extends to position descriptions and qualifications,
so that cultural assumptions will not cause capable persons to be excluded
from consideration unnecessarily.
- Consistent with its objective of achieving and providing equal opportunity
in employment, the university takes affirmative action to identify and
eliminate any barriers to equal employment opportunity. For example, inadvertent
barriers might exist in the use of inappropriate criteria in position
announcements, the manner or place in which recruitment is conducted,
the nature of interviews conducted, and so on. As indicated by Section
4001.23 of this policy, the university will take action to eliminate such
barriers whether they are formal or informal.
- Equal Opportunity in Education
- Wright State University provides equal educational opportunity. In
its educational policies and practices, the university prohibits discrimination
against any person or group on the basis of race, sex (including gender
identity/expression), color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age,
disability, veteran status, military status, or sexual orientation. This
prohibition extends to admissions, housing, financial aid, and all other
university services or facilities.
- An organization that excludes persons from membership on the basis of
criteria relating to their race, sex (including gender identity/expression),
color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, veteran status,
military status, or sexual orientation is considered to be in conflict
with university policy and is not permitted to function at the university.
However, it is understood that some organizations may be created for the
purpose of deepening the religious faith of students within the context
of a denominational or interdenominational grouping or for the purpose
of perpetuating a national cultural tradition. These purposes are consistent
with university policy, and, when they are clearly stated in the constitution
or by-laws of a student organization, the organization may register through
customary procedures.
4001.3 Organization
for Affirmative Action Programs
Every member of the
university community shall be a participant in and a beneficiary of these
equal opportunity policies and this Affirmative Action Plan.
- Director of Affirmative
Action Programs
The president and the
Board of Trustees appoint the director of Affirmative Action Programs. The
duties of the office shall include:
- Developing policy statements, affirmative action programs, internal and external communications;
- Assisting divisions, departments, offices, and individuals in identifying and arriving at solutions
to equal opportunity problems;
- Designing and
coordinating the implementation of audit and reporting systems to measure
effectiveness of the programs and to indicate need for remedial action;
- Serving as a
liaison between the university and appropriate agencies;
- Submitting periodic
reports to appropriate agencies as required;
- Keeping the president
of the university informed of the latest developments in the entire equal
opportunity area;
- Directing or
conducting inquires and seeking constructive resolutions of disputes,
in accordance with Section 4001.18 of this policy; and,
- Chairing the
Affirmative Action Advisory Council.
In the performance
of these duties the director of Affirmative Action Programs will be
responsible directly to the president of the university.
- Affirmative Action
Advisory Council
The president appoints
the Affirmative Action Advisory Council.
- The Council shall
consist of twelve members representing the broad university community.
In addition, the director of Affirmative Action Programs is a member ex-officio
and serves as chair. The membership of the Council shall be publicized
periodically, so that members of the university community may bring ideas,
suggestions, and criticisms to the attention of the Council.
- The Council shall
meet once each quarter or more often if circumstances warrant.
- The Council shall
assist and advise the director in the planning, development, and implementation
of the stated program. It shall also serve as a hearing body as necessary
and appropriate.
- Discrimination Hearing
Board
- Any person who
believes that he or she may be experiencing discrimination may pursue
the Complaint Procedure set forth in Section 4001.18 of this policy. As
described in Section 4001.18, to the extent that complaints are not resolved
informally, the person may choose to have the matter considered and decided
by members of the Discrimination Hearing Board.
- The composition
of the Discrimination Hearing Board is set forth together with the Affirmative
Action Complaint Procedure in Section 4001.18 of this policy.
4001.4 Policies and Programs
Affecting Specific Groups
- Policy Against Discrimination on the Basis of Race
It is the policy of Wright State University not to discriminate on the
basis of race. Consistent with this policy, the university takes affirmative
action to recruit or promote members of racial minorities into positions
in which non-whites have previously been hired in numbers that do not
fully reflect the availability of non-whites who are qualified for those
positions.
- Policy Against Discrimination on the Basis of Religion or National
Origin
It is the policy of Wright State University not to discriminate against
employees on the basis of their religion or national origin.
The university periodically reviews its personnel policies in order to
ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated without regard
to their religion or national origin. The university also accommodates employees'
religious observances in the manner provided by state law, and the university's
non-discrimination policy is disseminated to all employees.
- Discrimination on the Basis of Sex
It is the policy of Wright State University not to discriminate against
employees or applicants for employment on the basis of sex (including gender
identity/expression).
The university recruits applicants of both sexes for all positions and expresses
no preference for either sex, except in very unusual circumstances where
the position genuinely requires that the person be of a particular sex.
In addition, the university does not make any distinction based on sex
(including gender identity/expression) in establishing terms or conditions
of employment. Consistent with this policy, the university takes affirmative
action to recruit or promote women into positions in which women have previously
been hired in numbers which do not fully reflect the availability of women
who are qualified for those positions.
- Affirmative Action for Persons with Disabilities
Wright State University has issued a comprehensive statement concerning
its program for persons with disabilities. In brief, the university makes
substantial efforts to accommodate disabilities and to avoid stereotyping
based on disabilities. The full statement appears in Section 4001.20 of
this policy.
- Affirmative Action for Vietnam Era and Disabled Veterans
Wright State University has issued a comprehensive statement concerning
its program for Vietnam era veterans and veterans with disabilities. In
brief, the university invites such individuals to identify themselves for
assistance and career planning and conducts an outreach program to recruit
such veterans. The full statement appears in Section 4001.22 of this policy.
4001.5 General Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action Programs
Recruitment and Training
- The university employs faculty, staff, and students on the basis of qualifications
which measure individual competence and merit, without regard to race, sex
(including gender identity/expression), color, religion, ancestry, national
origin, age, disability, veteran status, military status, or sexual orientation.
- Recruitment efforts will continue to focus on providing employment and
advancement opportunities for minority group members.
- The university will continue to strengthen and develop new recruiting
sources from among those specializing in or oriented to minority placement
with a view toward increasing minority applicants--with emphasis on positions
in which non-whites have previously been hired in numbers that do not fully
reflect the availability of non-whites who are qualified for those positions.
- The university will continue to seek out female applicants who are qualified
for all positions and especially for those positions which have historically
or customarily been held predominantly by men.
- All sources of applicants, including public and private employment agencies,
professional recruiting firms, high school and college placement offices,
local churches, and community interest groups, will continue to be advised
of the university's non-discrimination and affirmative action policies.
- Appropriate notices setting forth the university's equal opportunity
and affirmative action policies are conspicuously posted in centers of employment
and shall be included in all solicitations or advertisements for new employees.
The statement, "an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer," is used
on all recruiting and other employment publications.
4001.6 Employment and Placement
Practices
- Wright State University is an equal opportunity employer where applicants
for employment are selected solely on the basis of skill, ability, experience,
training, and qualifications.
- Applicants are screened and considered without regard to race, sex (including
gender identity/expression), color, religion, ancestry, national origin,
age, disability, veteran status, military status, or sexual orientation.
- Screening procedures, such as interviewing and testing, will be consistent
with applicable laws and sound personnel practices.
- Employment application forms and other relevant personal records are
in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.
- Regular meetings will be held between the director of Affirmative Action
Programs and the Department of Human Resources staff to discuss the university's
affirmative action commitment and to develop new concepts and insights about
how best to achieve results in this area. Interviewers will be instructed
to try to ascertain specialized or unusual work experience that women and
minority applicants might not mention in the interview situation.
4001.7 Promotion, Demotion,
Layoff, Recall, and Transfer
- In order to effect
the full utilization of its available human resources, the university attempts,
when circumstances permit, to fill open positions by:
- Filling vacancies
above the entry level by promoting from within when practicable and consistent
with its commitment to affirmative action;
- Promoting on
the basis of ability, performance, behavior, and experience; and,
- Providing job
training and educational opportunities to help employees perform better
and prepare for advancement or new job opportunities.
- The university will
ensure that members of minority groups, women, Vietnam era veterans, and persons
with disabilities receive equal consideration for promotion at all levels.
Job categories will
be reviewed annually, and, where there is underutilization of women or minorities,
goals and timetables will be established to correct the situation. Underutilization
means that the university workforce does not fully reflect the availability
of qualified women or minority group members.
- Demotion, layoff,
recall following layoff, and transfer will be made on a non-discriminatory
basis in accordance with university practice and the terms of any applicable
state civil service requirements or collective bargaining agreement to which
the university is a party.
- The assistant vice
president for Human Resources shall, in cooperation with the director of Affirmative
Action Programs, continue to develop and maintain a staff planning and training
program looking several years ahead to permit prudent personnel management
decisions, as well as to provide an inventory and analysis of female and minority
group employment in each category of employment, in order to achieve the full
realization of the university's affirmative action programs.
4001.8 Compensation and
Benefits
University compensation and benefit programs are administered without regard
to race, sex (including gender identity/expression), color, religion, ancestry,
national origin, age, disability, veteran status, military status, or sexual
orientation.
4001.9 Construction Projects
The university will
continue its established program of requiring all contractors on university
construction projects to sign an agreement of non-discrimination in accordance
with the provisions of federal and state law.
4001.10 Subcontractors
and Purchases
All subcontractors on
university contracts and all suppliers of material shall be notified of the
university's policy of non-discrimination. The university shall incorporate
the equal employment opportunity clause contained in relevant federal regulations
in each non-exempt first tier subcontract, in each purchase order having a
face value of five thousand dollars or more, and in each university purchase
contract.
4001.11 Placement Services
- Wright State University Career Services shall be administered in a manner
which provides equal opportunity for the placement of university students
and alumni.
- If University Career Services has reason to believe that any organization
or individual with which it has dealings is, in fact, discriminatory in
its hiring practices on the basis of race, sex (including gender identity/expression),
color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, veteran status,
military status, or sexual orientation, University Career Services shall
notify in writing the director of Affirmative Action Programs. If the organization
or individual fails to demonstrate that it does not so discriminate, University
Career Services shall remove such organization or individual from recruitment
opportunities at Wright State University.
4001.12 Facilities and
Activities
With the exception of those few facilities which must
be segregated on the basis of sex, all university facilities and activities
will continue to be open and equally available to all persons without regard
to race, sex (including gender identity/expression), color, religion, ancestry,
national origin, age, disability, veteran status, military status, or sexual
orientation.
4001.13 Labor Relations
There shall be no discrimination, restraint, or coercion against any employee
because of race, sex (including gender identity/expression), color, religion,
ancestry, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, military status,
or sexual orientation.
4001.14 Responsibility of Managers
- Deans and directors
of operating units are responsible within their areas of jurisdiction to ensure
full implementation of these policies and programs.
- It is the obligation
of each employee of the university, in the employee's area of responsibility,
to adhere to these policies and programs.
- The director of Affirmative
Action Programs is responsible for overall coordination, clarification, and
supervision of the implementing actions.
4001.15 Goals
In order to assess the
university's progress in the implementation of its affirmative action programs,
procedures must be established at all levels to provide a basis for evaluation
and measurement. The director of Affirmative Action Programs will work with
the appropriate managers to establish such procedures.
In each instance the
purpose will be to measure the university's progress toward achieving equal
opportunity. Unless otherwise established, equal opportunity will be considered
to exist when the university student body fairly reflects the composition
of the community served by the university, and the university workforce fairly
reflects the pool (national or local) of qualified individuals from which
it is drawn.
- General Procedures
- The university
will continue its cooperative efforts with other segments of the regional
community in working toward equal educational and employment opportunity.
- The university
will continue to offer counseling and encouragement to high school students
who might feel excluded from the university on the basis of social or
economic considerations.
- Workforce Analysis
- Academic Units
During the first
week in November of each year, each school or division will confirm the
workforce composition of each department as reflected in the university's
records, by minority group status and sex, on forms to be provided by
the Office of Affirmative Action Programs.
This inventory shall
be submitted to the director of Affirmative Action Programs no later than
November 15 of each year, and it shall include recommendations, if any,
for further action.
- Non-Academic
Units
The appropriate
administrative officer shall require each administrative department,
during the first week of November of each year, to confirm its workforce
composition, by minority group status and sex, on forms to be provided
by the Office of Affirmative Action Programs.
Each administrative
department shall submit its inventory to the director of Affirmative Action
Programs no later than November 15 of each year, and the inventory shall
include recommendations, if any, for further action.
- Employee Recruitment
Goals and Timetables
The director of Affirmative
Action Programs shall annually review changes in the university's workforce
for affirmative action progress. In those areas where the director finds underutilization
of minorities or women, the director will work with the department or office
involved to establish reasonable goals and timetables for eliminating the
underutilization and an action-oriented recruitment plan for achieving those
goals.
- Student Services
The vice president
for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services shall examine the areas of admission
and enrollment in both undergraduate and graduate programs, scholarships,
loans, fellowships, and work study programs and, during the first week in
November of each year, submit to the director of Affirmative Action Programs
a report of:
- Current affirmative
action progress in each area; and,
- Recommendations,
if any, for improving the effectiveness of affirmative action in each
area.
4001.16 Reporting and Records
- The assistant vice
president for Human Resources shall establish and maintain records from which
data may be compiled on the nature and composition of the university workforce,
including such factors as race, sex, and age.
- Each academic division
and administrative department shall provide the assistant vice president for
Human Resources and the director of Affirmative Action Programs such information
and data as is necessary to carry out the requirements of these programs.
- The director of Affirmative
Action Programs shall be responsible for the preparation and submission of
all reports to the president, the Board of Trustees, and all federal and state
agencies concerning the status of equal opportunity and affirmative action
at the university.
4001.17 Applicable Law
Wright State University
is a publicly funded institution which is a federal contractor and a recipient
of federal funds. It is therefore subject to various federal and state requirements
concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action, and the Affirmative Action
Plan is intended to be consistent with all such requirements. This document
sets forth the manner in which the university is meeting those obligations.
Additional information concerning rights and duties established by federal
or state law is available in the Office of Affirmative Action Programs.
4001.18 Affirmative
Action Complaint Procedure
The successful achievement
of affirmative action goals will require good faith efforts of the entire
university community. As expressed in the Statement of Policy (Section 4001.2),
no person shall be subjected to discharge, suspension, discipline, harassment,
or any form of discrimination for having utilized or having assisted others
in the utilization of the Affirmative Action Complaint Procedure. The following
procedure [paragraphs a) through m) of this section] has been devised to provide
assistance and guidance for dealing with complaints of alleged discrimination;
it establishes the sequence to be followed, except that a complaint may be
withdrawn or resolved before the procedure is completed.
- Criteria for Using the Affirmative Action Complaint Procedure
Any person claiming to be aggrieved by an unlawful employment practice
or any other alleged discriminatory practice at Wright State University
may file a complaint with the Office of Affirmative Action Programs.
- Any person in the university community may bring a complaint.
- A complaint may also be brought by a person outside the university
community if the alleged offense occurred to the person with regard to
application for admission as a student, with regard to inquiry or application
for employment, or with regard to any other alleged discriminatory action
by a university staff member acting in an official capacity.
- The person alleging that discrimination has occurred (called the complainant)
will discuss the charges with a mediator designated by the director of Affirmative
Action Programs. This preliminary discussion will serve to inform the Office
of Affirmative Action Programs of all relevant information about the complainant
and the complaint.
- After the preliminary discussion with the complainant, the mediator will
determine the disposition of the complaint. Each complaint, in order to
be within the jurisdiction of the Office of Affirmative Action Programs,
must meet the following criteria:
- The complaint must arguably involve discrimination on the basis of race,
sex (including gender identity/expression), color, religion, ancestry,
national origin, age, disability, veteran status, military status, or
sexual orientation.
- An injury must have already occurred and not be merely anticipatory
or speculative.
- The complaint must not be frivolous.
- The complaint must be filed within 180 days of the time the alleged
discrimination occurred.
- If any one of the above criteria is not met, the grievance will not be
processed through the Affirmative Action Complaint Procedure. The mediator
will, in any event, advise the complainant of any alternative grievance
procedures which the mediator believes might be helpful in resolving the
matter, within five working days from the date the complaint was filed.
- The complainant's consultation with the mediator will be kept confidential
by the Office of Affirmative Action Programs to the extent permitted by
law.
- Informal Inquiry and Resolution
The first communication between the mediator and the person whose action
is the subject of the grievance (the respondent) will be informal. It is
intended to clarify the source of conflict as well as to identify possible
avenues of resolution.
- This informal procedure is intended to open communications and to disclose
key differences in the parties' perceptions of the situation which led
to the grievance. For that reason, once the inquiry begins, the university
will provide confidentiality to the extent permitted by law. This statement
applies as well to an investigation under paragraph g) or a hearing under
paragraphs h) and i) of Section 4001.18.
- The mediator will describe the matters raised by the complainant, subject
to any need for confidentiality expressed by the complainant, and will
request a response from the respondent. The respondent may request another
member of the university community to be present or available for consultation
in responding to the mediator.
- The respondent will explain his or her position to the mediator, and
within a reasonable time not to exceed five working days, will provide
any existing documentation in support of that position; however, the mediator
may grant an extension. Such documentation may not be disclosed to the
complainant unless the respondent agrees that it may be disclosed.
- If the complainant is satisfied with the explanation provided by the
respondent, the matter is resolved.
- If the matter is not resolved by the respondent's explanation, the
mediator will attempt to help each party communicate with the other and
understand the other's view of the situation, in order to help the parties
resolve the matter in a constructive manner that will best benefit the
parties and the university.
- If it appears to the mediator that there may be areas of flexibility
which could lead to a resolution of the matter which is agreeable to both
parties, the mediator will help the parties pursue these areas. The mediator
will not act as an advocate for either party but will help each party
explain his or her position and understand the other party's position.
- If the initial attempt at mediation does not successfully resolve the
matter, the mediator will, upon written request by the complainant, conduct
an impartial investigation into the alleged discrimination.
- Investigation
This investigation is initiated by a written and signed complaint specifying
the name of the respondent, the date of the incident, and the nature of
the offending conduct.
- The mediator will interview other individuals who may have knowledge
concerning the matters alleged in the grievance.
- The mediator will have access to any relevant documents.
- Comments and documents provided to the mediator will be treated as
confidential, as described in paragraph f) 1) of Section 4001.18.
- After conducting the investigation, the mediator will help each party
understand the strengths and weaknesses of the parties' positions, without
disclosing any information received on a confidential basis. The mediator
will again seek areas of flexibility and will attempt to mediate.
- The investigation and subsequent counseling and mediation will be completed
within ten working days; however, the mediator may grant an extension
upon the approval of the director of Affirmative Action Programs.
- Hearing
If the grievance is not resolved through mediation, the mediator will
advise the complainant of formal complaint proceedings through the Discrimination
Hearing Board. In order to pursue these proceedings, the complainant must
sign a formal complaint form that specifies the circumstances and charges
of the complaint and will be given a list of members of the Board.
[Effective March 24, 2008, Sec. 4112.023 of the Ohio Civil Rights Act,
citing Fisher v. Peters 249 F.3d 433 (6th Cir. 2001), says that if
a persons civilian job is inherently military, the person must pursue
military, rather than civilian, channels when pursuing employment discrimination
claims. It adds that this rule shall be applied when construing
the prohibitions contained in this chapter against discrimination on the
basis of a persons military status. A person to whom this rule
may apply is encouraged to consult legal counsel.]
The mediator shall send the respondent a copy of the complaint, a list
of the members of the Board, and a copy of the complaint procedure. The
mediator will request that the respondent provide a written response to
the complaint and that this written response be sent to the chairperson
of the Board before the date of the Pre-Hearing Conference. The mediator
will also inform the complainant and the respondent that further communication
concerning the complaint will be received from and should be made to the
chairperson of the Board or to the chief examiner once one has been chosen.
- Appointment and Membership of the Discrimination Hearing Board
The members of the Board will be selected by the president from the
university community at large in consultation with the director of Affirmative
Action Programs. The Board will be composed of three classified employees,
three unclassified employees, three faculty members, and two students
(one student will be a graduate student, and one an undergraduate student).
The appointments will reflect the various experiences, abilities, and
interests of the university community. New appointments will be made in
the spring for the following academic year. The members (other than students)
will serve on the Board for three years, with five members (one classified
employee, one unclassified employee, one faculty member, and two students)
being selected each year. The first year, members of the Board will elect
by majority vote a chairperson and a vice chairperson to serve in such
capacity for one year. At the beginning of each academic year, the vice
chairperson will succeed the chairperson, at which time a new vice chairperson
will be elected. If the previous year's vice chairperson is unable to
serve as chairperson, the members of the Board shall elect a chairperson
from the members who have had at least one year's service on the Board.
- Service
The eleven members of the Board, at the beginning of the academic year,
shall attend an informational seminar, which will be sponsored by the
Office of Affirmative Action Programs. This seminar will inform the Board
members of regulations, policies, and procedures including those at the
university, state, and federal levels which are relevant to discrimination
and equal opportunity and will inform the Board members of the authority
and responsibility of the Board.
- Discrimination Hearing Examiners
For each complaint, a panel of three discrimination hearing examiners
shall be designated from the Board in the following manner. The complainant
and respondent will each receive a list of members of the Board. Each
party will select one Board member to hear the complaint and will submit
the name to the chairperson of the Board within five working days after
respondent receives a copy of the complaint. Those two members shall select
a third member of the Board to act as chief examiner. If both complainant
and respondent select the same person to serve as an examiner, that person
shall be chief examiner, and each party will be allowed to select another.
No Board member shall serve as an examiner in any proceeding in which
that Board member is otherwise involved.
- Confidentiality
As described in paragraph f) of Section 4001.18, the examiners will
adhere to strict confidentiality. Cases will not be revealed to anyone
outside the examiners except appropriate persons in the Office of Affirmative
Action Programs. Details of complaints will not be discussed during general
sessions of the Board. However, the nature of complaints may be discussed
during the selection of the examiners.
- Procedures for Hearing
- The mediator will, within five working days of the formal complaint,
provide the chairperson of the Board the complaint forms and the names,
addresses, and phone numbers of the complainant and respondent. Correspondence
initiated by any of the parties involved for the purpose of mediation
will not be provided without the agreement of both parties. Information
or documents provided to the mediator on a confidential basis will not
be provided without the agreement of the person who provided the information
or documents. Confidentiality is discussed in paragraph f) 1) of Section
4001.18.
- Pre-Hearing Conference
Upon selection of the examiners, the chairperson of the Board will notify
the complainant and respondent of the names of the examiners and identify
the chief examiner. The chief examiner will set a date for a pre-hearing
conference to be held within ten working days of his or her selection.
This conference shall include the examiners, the complainant, the respondent,
and their representatives, if any.
The pre-hearing conference will provide an opportunity for both the
examiners and each party to simplify the issues, determine necessary documentation
or any witnesses needed for the hearing, and consider other matters that
may expedite the hearing. The date of the hearing will be set at this
time.
- Hearing
The date of the hearing will be no more than ten working days after
the date of the pre hearing conference, unless otherwise agreed by the
complainant and respondent during the pre-hearing conference. The examiners
will maintain a taped record of the hearing, which will be kept in the
confidential file in the Office of Affirmative Action Programs for one
year after the complaint is closed.
- It will be the responsibility of the Office of Affirmative Action Programs,
in consultation with the Office of General Counsel, to act as monitor
and advisor for the hearing. The Office of Affirmative Action Programs
will inform the examiners of specific guidelines for maintaining communication
with the complainant and the respondent and for following a timetable
during the hearing. The Office of Affirmative Action Programs shall not
serve as the advocate of either party but shall, upon request by the examiners,
explain the basis upon which it was determined that the complaint was
within the jurisdiction of the Office of Affirmative Action Programs.
- Each party may have an advisor present who may participate in the hearing,
subject to the reasonable limitations of the Board. Neither party should
expect to have legal counsel present during these proceedings, which are
not governed by formal rules of evidence or courtroom procedure. Parties
may at their own expense have an attorney present, but the attorney may
not participate in the proceedings. If either party feels the need to
have legal counsel present, it is recognized that the other party should
then also have a reasonable time to obtain legal counsel if he or she
chooses to do so. The Office of General Counsel is the legal advisor to
the examiners and will not represent a party in this proceeding.
- Responsibilities and Authority
The examiners will have the responsibility for determining appropriate
procedures for the hearing. The complainant will be given an opportunity
to present and explain the allegation of discrimination, and the respondent
will be given an opportunity to rebut the allegation. Each party will have
a reasonable opportunity to present evidence, including testimony, in the
presence of the other party. The hearing must be fair to the parties but
will not be based on formal rules of evidence or courtroom procedure. Each
party will have an opportunity to ask questions of the other party as permitted
by the examiners. The hearing of a complaint may also include an investigation
of matters relevant to the complaint which were not introduced by the complainant
or respondent at the pre-hearing conference, but may not include correspondence
or records initiated by the mediator to mediate the complaint. Investigative
authority will include:
- Authority to procure tangible evidence including confidential departmental
records which have relevance to the complaint and which have not been
introduced at the pre hearing conference.
- Authority to request attendance of witnesses whose testimony may be
pertinent to the complaint and whose statement or testimony was not introduced
by the complainant or respondent.
- Authority to act in conjunction with the Office of Affirmative Action
Programs and the chairperson to request that the provost, appropriate
vice president, dean, or director delay the appointment of a position
which is disputed in a complaint, until such time as the complaint is
settled. The response to such a request shall be final unless altered
by the president.
- After considering both sides of a complaint, including any documentation
or supporting testimony, the examiners will make a written finding, on the
basis of the evidence presented, of whether there is probable cause to believe
that the respondent discriminated (intentionally or otherwise) against or
harassed the complainant. The examiners will confer with the director of
Affirmative Action Programs in order to discuss their findings and possible
recommendations. The examiners will then submit to the provost or relevant
vice president (or designee), the complainant, the respondent, and the Office
of Affirmative Action Programs their findings and any recommendations of
appropriate remedial action. Final directives will be issued by the provost
or relevant vice president (or designee) to the complainant and/or the respondent
for resolution of the grievance. Directives will be issued not later than
fifteen days from the last day of the hearing. The directed parties will
demonstrate to the director of Affirmative Action Programs within the time
limits specified in the directives that compliance with the directive has
occurred.
- Findings of fact by the examiners are final and not appealable. Remedial
action taken by the provost or relevant vice president may be appealed to
the president within five working days after receipt of the provost's or
vice president's action. The president has discretion to consider such an
appeal or to dismiss it without review.
If after the formal hearing either party is not satisfied with the directed
resolution, they retain access to the Office of Affirmative Action Programs
for advice concerning further alternatives.
- SANCTIONS
This procedure is intended to be remedial, not punitive. Its purpose
is to identify discrimination, intentional or otherwise, and to provide
a means of eliminating or correcting the discrimination. Consequently,
any sanctions will be a matter between a person found to have discriminated
and the person's supervisor or the provost or appropriate vice president,
and the person to be sanctioned will have whatever rights are appropriate
to such a sanction. For example, university employees who hold civil service
(classified) positions will be entitled to a pre-disciplinary hearing
through the Department of Human Resources before such a sanction could
be imposed.
4001.19 Equal Employment
Opportunity/Affirmative Action Recruitment Procedures for Faculty and Professional
Staff
The forms
linked to this document provide a simple yet thorough record of actions taken
in the posting and filling of faculty and professional staff positions. These
procedures apply to all positions, full-time or part-time, of at least three
days' duration.
- The advertisement
text and standard personnel form approved by the appropriate dean, provost,
or appropriate vice president should be sent for review directly to the Department
of Human Resources to have a pay grade assigned. Within twenty-four hours
after receipt of the ad text and personnel forms from Human Resources, the
director of Affirmative Action Programs will respond to the contact person
and return the forms to the Department of Human Resources. Affirmative action
postcards, requesting optional affirmative action information, will be provided
by the Office of Affirmative Action Programs and should be sent by the search
committee to all applicants.
- The search process
then begins with approved advertisement sent to journals, newsletters, and
other sources as outlined by the originating office. The Affirmative Action
office does not place ads. A search for faculty or professional staff will
be national in scope unless an exception has been approved by the provost
or appropriate vice president.
- After the application/nomination
deadline, to which the search committee should adhere, the search committee
screens out those persons who do not meet the advertised minimum required
qualifications and decides which of the qualified applicants should be interviewed.
At this time, the Recruitment and Selection Precis
Part I: Pre-Interview Summary is completed (see
forms) and sent to the Office of Affirmative Action
Programs for review. The form is designed to help the search committee focus
on specific, desired attributes of the applicants; it establishes also a record
which permits the university to respond effectively to possible complaints
from applicants. The Office of Affirmative Action Programs will review the
Precis and indicate if all steps have been taken for interviews to
begin.
- After the interviews
have been conducted and a judgment made as to the most qualified person, the
search committee completes Recruitment and Selection
Precis Part II: Pre-Offer Summary (see
forms) and transmits it to the Office of Affirmative
Action Programs. The review will be completed within twenty-four hours. An
offer may be extended only after this procedural review and response. A Request
for Contract, along with an accepted Status of Position
Offered (see forms), should be submitted to
the Records Section of the Department of Human Resources by the appropriate
office. The Status of Position Offered (see forms)
is completed by the department and sent to the Office of Affirmative Action
Programs once an applicant declines.
- The Office of Affirmative
Action Programs will preserve the recruitment file of each search for at least
three years.
- The Affirmative
Action Recruitment Procedures Checklist (see forms)
is provided to assist search committees. Suggestions for improving the process are encouraged. Comments should be submitted to the director of Affirmative Action Program.
4001.20 Affirmative Action
Program for Persons with Disabilities
- Purpose
This policy statement
is issued in accordance with federal regulations implementing Sections 503
and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990. It reaffirms Wright State University's commitment to affirmative
action in order to achieve and maintain equal opportunity for persons with
disabilities.
- Policy
Historically, persons
with various types of disabilities have been subjected to stigmas and cultural
stereotypes. One consequence of these stigmas and stereotypes is that persons
with disabilities have been denied the opportunity to realize their full potential,
through a lack of equal educational and employment opportunity.
The university is committed
to providing all individuals the opportunity to use, enjoy, and benefit from
its educational programs and activities. Further, the university is committed
to providing all individuals an equal opportunity to work, to advance, and
to receive compensation on the basis of merit and ability.
It is therefore the
policy of Wright State University that no qualified individual be discriminated
against in opportunities for employment, for education, or for advancement
in employment or education, on the basis of physical or mental disability.
Responsibility for administration of this policy is assigned to the director
of Affirmative Action Programs, and the university's program for implementing
the policy is set forth in paragraphs c) through h) of Section 4001.20.
- Terminology
Wright State University
is a contracting party within the meaning of Section 503 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973. That section is implemented by regulations issued by the Office
of Federal Contract Compliance Programs of the United
States Department of Labor; these regulations concern affirmative action
to achieve equal opportunity in employment for persons with disabilities.
Wright State University
receives federal financial assistance within the meaning of Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. That section is implemented by regulations
issued by the Office for Civil Rights
of the United States Department of Education; these regulations concern
affirmative action to achieve equal opportunity in education for persons with
disabilities.
- In general, a person
with a disability is defined to include any person who has a physical or mental
impairment which substantially limits one or more of the person's major life
activities; any person who has a record of such an impairment; and, any person
who is regarded as having such an impairment.
- Major life activities
include communication, ambulation, self-care, socialization, education,
employment, adaptation to housing, and others.
- With respect
to employment, a qualified person with a disability is a person with a
disability who, with reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential
functions of a particular job.
- With respect
to education, a qualified person with a disability is a person with a
disability who meets the academic and technical standards for admission
or participation in a particular educational program or activity.
- Affirmative Action/Equal
Opportunity Program: Education
No qualified person
with a disability shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation
in or denied the benefits of any educational program or activity, or otherwise
be subjected to discrimination in such a program or activity.
- Separate or different
programs, benefits, or services may be provided for persons with disabilities
only if such action is necessary to provide qualified persons with disabilities
programs, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided
to others. If separate or different facilities, benefits, or services
are provided for persons with disabilities, a qualified person with a
disability may choose to participate in a program, benefit, or service
not designated for persons with disabilities.
- The university
will not knowingly aid or perpetuate discrimination against qualified
persons with disabilities by providing significant assistance to any agency,
organization, or person that discriminates on the basis of disability
in providing any aid, benefit, or service to students.
- No qualified
person with a disability shall, on the basis of disability, be denied
the opportunity to participate as a member of any planning or advisory
board.
- In determining
the site or architecture of a facility, the university shall not make
a selection which has the effect of excluding persons with disabilities
or substantially impairs the equal opportunity of persons with disabilities
to participate in or enjoy the benefits of programs or activities conducted
at the facility.
- In addition to
paragraphs 1) through 4) above, the university intends to comply in all
respects with all applicable regulations of the Office for Civil Rights
of the United States Department of Education. Those regulations are available
in the Office of Affirmative Action Programs for review by any member
of the university community, and a summary of the pertinent regulations
will be posted conspicuously at various locations on campus.
- Employment
The university does
not discriminate in its employment practices on the basis of disability against
any qualified person with a disability. This policy extends to recruitment,
selection, termination, compensation, and advancement in employment.
- The university
will make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental impairment
of an employee or applicant for employment. Since the extent of accommodation
needed will vary among the positions and the individuals involved, whether
the accommodation needed is reasonable will be determined on a case-by-case
basis by the administrative official responsible for the position, in
consultation with the director of Affirmative Action Programs. A necessary
accommodation will be considered reasonable unless it would impose an
undue hardship on the university, in terms of cost or disruption of necessary
university functions or activities.
- Since a qualified
person with a disability is a person who can perform the essential
functions of a particular position, the university will review its existing
position descriptions to identify non-essential functions. In addition,
in order to ensure that future position descriptions and statements of
required qualifications do not exclude qualified persons with disabilities,
all future vacancy announcements for unclassified positions (faculty and
staff) will be reviewed and approved by the director of Affirmative Action
Programs prior to issuance.
- The university
shall not use employment selection criteria that are not bona fide and
valid occupation qualifications. Where alternative testing or selection
criteria are available which can be used by individuals who have disabilities
that impair their sensory, manual, or speaking skills, these alternatives
will be used.
- Advertising materials
and activities used to recruit employees will be designed to attract applicants
who are qualified persons with disabilities. The Department of Human Resources
and the Office of Affirmative Action Programs will establish and maintain
contacts with organizations that represent, are composed of, or communicate
regularly with persons with disabilities, in order that such organizations
may make referrals of qualified persons with disabilities for announced
vacancies at the university. In order to allow ample time for referrals,
the application deadline for a position shall be no less than seven working
days after the vacancy is announced.
- An annual survey
of the university's workforce will be conducted, inviting university employees
to identify any physical or mental impairment and to suggest any reasonable
accommodation which would enhance their job performance or enable them
to advance to other positions. The university recognizes that an employee's
medical condition is a private matter and that certain impairments (e.g.,
cancer, AIDS, etc.), which do not necessarily prevent successful job performance,
can stigmatize the individual affected. Therefore, the survey respondents
will be assured of confidentiality if they request it, except that:
a.) First aid
or safety personnel may be informed if emergency treatment may be
required; and,
b.) Federal officials investigating the university's compliance with applicable
law may be informed.
In addition, if
the employee requests an accommodation for disability, the relevant supervisor
may be informed of the reason for the request.
- In addition to
paragraphs 1) through 5) above, the university intends to comply in all
respects with all applicable regulations of the Office for Civil Rights
of the United States Department of Education and the Office of Federal
Contract Compliance Programs of the United States Department of Labor.
Those regulations are available in the Office of Affirmative Action Programs
for review by any members of the university community, and a summary of
the pertinent regulations will be posted conspicuously in various locations
on campus.
- Any employee or applicant
for employment who has reason to believe that he or she has suffered discrimination
on the basis of a disability may file a complaint in accordance with the Affirmative
Action Complaint Procedure set forth in Section 4001.18 of this policy.
- The procedures for
requesting a reasonable accommodation are contained in the Appendix
to Section 4001.20.
4001.21 Policy Against
Discrimination and Harassment
- Statement of Policy
It is the policy of Wright State University that no member of the academic
community (which includes all Wright State University faculty, students,
residents, and staff, paid or voluntary, fully- or partially-affiliated)
may in any respect discriminate against or harass any other member of the
academic community (or any applicant for admission or employment) on the
basis of the latter person's race, sex (including gender identity/expression),
color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, veteran status,
military status, or sexual orientation. This policy is consistent with all
state and federal regulations.
- Purpose of Policy
Wright State University affirms its commitment to ensuring an environment
for all employees and students which is fair, humane, and respectful--an
environment which supports and rewards employee and student performance
on the basis of relevant considerations such as ability and effort. Behaviors
which inappropriately assert race, sex (including gender identity/expression),
color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, veteran status,
military status, or sexual orientation as relevant to employee or student
performance are damaging to this environment.
- General Definitions
- Discrimination includes, but is not limited to, any distinction
drawn regarding any aspect of an individual's Wright State University
employment or education solely because of that individual's race, sex
(including gender identity/expression), color, religion, ancestry, national
origin, age, disability, veteran status, military status, or sexual orientation.
- Harassment
is conduct that has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with
an individual's work or educational performance or creating an intimidating,
hostile, or offensive working or educational environment. Such conduct may
constitute harassment even if done under the guise of humor.
- Sexual Harassment
- Definition
Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct
of a sexual nature when submission to such conduct is made either explicitly
or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or educational
status; submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is
used as the basis for an employment or educational decision affecting
such individual; or, such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially
interfering with an individual's work or educational performance or creating
an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment.
- Examples
Following is a non-exclusive list of practices which may constitute
sexual harassment:
a.) Verbal: sexual innuendo, suggestive comments,
insults, humor and jokes about sex or gender-specific traits, sexual propositions,
threats.
b.) Non-verbal: suggestive or insulting sounds, leering, whistling,
obscene gestures.
c.) Physical touching: pinching, brushing the body, coerced sexual
intercourse, assault.
- Complaint Procedures
Complaints relating to discrimination or harassment should be raised and
resolved in accordance with the Affirmative Action Complaint Procedure (Section
4001.18 of this policy).
- RETALIATION PROHIBITED
Any retaliatory action of any kind taken against any member of the Wright
State University community as a result of that person's involvement in the
university's Affirmative Action Complaint Procedure is prohibited and shall
be regarded as a separate and distinct cause for complaint under the complaint
procedures.
4001.22 Affirmative Action
Program for Vietnam Era and Disabled Veterans
This policy statement
is issued in accordance with federal regulations implementing Section 402
of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (as amended
by FR 1987, January 5, 1995). It is intended to reaffirm Wright State University's
commitment to affirmative action to achieve and maintain equal opportunity
for disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era.
The Vietnam War was
a source of heated and sometimes bitter controversy. The war itself was not
widely seen as a great or successful undertaking, and returning veterans did
not generally receive an enthusiastic welcome home from an appreciative public.
Many of the wounds caused by the war have still not fully healed.
The bitterness and controversy
surrounding the war made the readjustment to civilian life very difficult
for many veterans, and the unemployment rate among veterans after the war
was very high. Thus, as compared to their peers who did not participate in
military service, many veterans suffered a double penalty in terms of career
development.
In order to rectify
the situation, Congress enacted legislation requiring affirmative action with
respect to the employment of veterans of the Vietnam era and disabled veterans.
- Policy
Wright State University
is committed to providing all individuals an equal opportunity to work,
to advance, and to receive compensation. Wright State University is also
committed to taking affirmative action to achieve such equal opportunity
for veterans of the Vietnam era and for disabled veterans. It is the policy
of the university that no person shall be discriminated against in opportunities
for employment, or for advancement in employment, on the basis of status
as a veteran of the Vietnam era or as a disabled veteran. Responsibility
for the administration of this policy is assigned to the director of Affirmative
Action Programs, and the university's program for implementing this policy
is set forth in paragraphs c) and d) of this section.
- Terminology
The following definitions
are directly relevant to the administration of this policy:
- Wright State University is a contractor within the meaning of Section
402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. That
section is implemented by regulations issued by the Office of Federal
Contract Compliance Programs of the United States Department of Labor.
- Disabled veteran means a person who either:
a.) is entitled to disability compensation under Veteran's Administration
regulations for a disability of at least 30 percent, or
b.) was discharged or released from active duty for a disability which
was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
- Veteran of the Vietnam era means a person who served on active duty
for a period of more than 180 days, any part of which occurred between
August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975, and was discharged or released therefrom
with other than a dishonorable discharge or was discharged or released
from active duty for a service-connected disability if any part of such
active duty was performed between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975.
- Affirmative Action/Equal
Opportunity Program
In its employment
practices, the university does not discriminate against any person on the
basis of that person's status as a veteran of the Vietnam era or as a disabled
veteran. This extends to recruitment, selection, termination, compensation,
and advancement in employment.
- The university
lists with the state employment service all employment opportunities at
the university which will not be filled internally and are not student
positions. The university also lists such positions with the Dayton Urban
League, the local office of the Veteran's Administration, and local veterans'
groups and veteran counselors.
- The university
invites all applicants and employees who are disabled veterans or veterans
of the Vietnam era and who wish to benefit under the affirmative action
program to identify themselves. The invitation states that identification
and participation are voluntary, that the information will be kept confidential,
and that no adverse treatment will result from a person's refusal to identify
himself or herself or to participate in the program. Persons who identify
themselves will be asked to identify any procedures or facilities or programs
at the university which impair their full utilization and development
as employees. Persons who identify themselves as disabled veterans will
also be asked to identify their physical or mental impairment (on a confidential
basis) and to suggest any reasonable accommodation by the university which
would enhance their job performance or enable them to advance to other
positions.
- The university
periodically evaluates its total employee recruitment and selection process,
including training and promotion, in order to ensure freedom from stereotyping
disabled veterans or veterans of the Vietnam era in a manner which limits
their access to jobs for which they are qualified.
- In addition to
the foregoing items, the university intends to comply in all respects
with all applicable regulations of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance
Programs of the United States Department of Labor. Those regulations are
available in the Office of Affirmative Action Programs for review by any
member of the university community, and a summary of the pertinent regulations
will be posted conspicuously at various locations on campus.
- Any employee or applicant
for employment who has reason to believe that he or she has suffered discrimination
on the basis of the person's status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the
Vietnam era may file a complaint in accordance with the Affirmative Action
Complaint Procedure set forth in Section 4001.18 of this policy. The complaint
will be evaluated and the appropriate remedy implemented in accordance with
the Wright State University Affirmative Action Plan.
4001.23 Inclusive Language
Policy
- The Policy
Wright State University, an institution of higher learning in a free society,
believes communications should convey social equality, personal worth, and
human potential regardless of race, sex (including gender identity/expression),
color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, veteran status,
military status, or sexual orientation.
- As an equal opportunity institution, Wright State University shall
refer to and portray all persons in non-discriminatory ways.
- Communications issued by any university office or department shall contain
no demeaning or discriminatory material, either verbal or pictorial. Whenever
and wherever possible, representations shall include a cross-section of
all racial, ethnic, and age groups, as well as members of both sexes.
Furthermore, representations shall seek to include disabled as well as
able-bodied persons and non-traditional as well as traditional students.
- The Guidelines
To assist in the implementation of the above policy, the Task Force on
Non-Discriminatory Communication has assembled the following guidelines
for the university community:
- Publications are available as reference sources regarding non-discriminatory
communications. For additional information, or for assistance in locating
reference materials, the Office of Affirmative Action Programs or the
Office of Communication and Marketing may be contacted.
- Consulting services are available to departments wishing to have materials
reviewed in regard to these guidelines. The Office of Affirmative Action
Programs may be called.
- Language Considerations - Related to Gender
| Traditional Term(s) |
Alternative Terms(s) |
| best (man) for the job |
person or candidate |
| cleaning lady/maintenance man |
custodial worker, cleaner, state specific task |
| common man |
ordinary person |
| Congressman/woman |
representative, legislator, member of Congress, Congressional representative |
| gentlemen's agreement |
informal agreement, contract |
| grow to manhood |
grow to adulthood |
| housewife/househusband |
homemaker |
| layman |
average citizen, lay person, the non-specialist |
| male nurse |
nurse |
| "man" a project |
staff a project/post, hire personnel, employ staff |
| man hours |
worker-hours, working time, workforce, labor hours, people hours,
staff hours, personnel hours |
| man/mankind |
humanity, human beings, human race, people, person(s), individual(s),
men and women, women and men, humankind, figures, personalities, human
species, all of us, society |
| man-made |
manufactured, simulated, hand-built, hand-made, machine-made, synthetic,
artificial, constructed |
| man on the street |
average person |
| manpower |
human energy, workers, workforce, human power, personnel, labor, staffing,
staff power |
| spokeswoman/man |
spokesperson, official, representative |
| woman doctor |
doctor, physician |
| woman driver |
driver |
- University-Related Terms
| Traditional Terms(s) |
Alternative Terms(s) |
| chairman |
chair, chairer, chairperson, group leader, presiding officer, the
chair, committee head, discussion leader, department chair |
| co-ed (as a noun) |
student |
| freshman |
first-year student |
- Parallel Treatment
| Non-parallel Treatment |
Parallel Construction |
| man and wife |
husband and wife |
| men and girls |
men and women, women and men |
| the men and the ladies |
the men and the women, the ladies and the gentlemen, the boys and
the girls |
| you and your wife/husband |
you and your spouse |
Dr. Ed Smith, Mary Miller,
Mr. Joe Evans, Mrs. Pamela Adams |
Dr. Ed Smith, Ms. Mary Miller,
Mr. Joe Evans, Dr. Pamela Adams |
| Smith, Mary, Evans |
Smith, Miller, Evans |
(use titles for females as well as males)
Pronoun: The English language does not have a neutral pronoun in the singular.
Traditionally, masculine pronouns have been used generically, e.g., "Everyone
must search his conscience." A preferred alternative is to use the third
person plural masculine-feminine pronouns, e.g., "Citizens must search their
consciences" or first person plural, e.g., "We must all search our consciences."
| he |
he or she, she/he, he/she, s/he, one |
| his |
his or her, one's |
| him |
him or her |
(or use a specific noun referring to person: student, worker, employee,
professor, secretary)
- Occupations
| Traditional Terms(s) |
Alternative Terms(s) |
| businessman/businesswoman |
business executive, business manager, entrepreneur, business leader,
the business community |
| cameraman |
photographer, camera operator, videographer |
| fireman |
fire fighter |
| foreman |
supervisor |
| mailman |
mail carrier, letter carrier |
| newspaperman |
journalist, reporter |
| office girls |
office workers |
| policewoman/man |
police officer, security officer |
| real-estate man |
real-estate agent |
| repairman |
repairer, technician |
| salesman |
salesperson, seller, sales representative |
- Letter Salutations
| Traditional Terms(s) |
Alternative Terms(s) |
| Dear Sir, Gentlemen, |
Dear Madam or Sir
Dear Correspondent
Dear Credit Manager
Dear Friend
To Whom It May Concern
Dear (department within the organization)
Dear (organization's name) |
| gender unknown |
Mr./Ms. |
| female's preference unknown |
Ms. |
- Language Considerations - Related to Disability
Terms that Reinforce Stereotypes
about People with Disabilities |
Alternative Terms(s) |
| suffers, invalid, victim, unfortunate |
a person who has . . ., who had |
| the deaf, the blind |
persons who are deaf
persons who are blind
persons who are hearing impaired
persons who are visually impaired |
deaf and dumb, deaf mute
(These out-of-date terms were used to describe a deaf person who also
could not speak. Many deaf or hearing-impaired individuals can speak,
although their speech may be hard to understand. Deafness does not make
a person dumb or ignorant.) |
a person who has a speech and hearing impairment, a person who is
deaf |
| afflicted, crippled, maimed |
a person with a disability, or who is physically limited, motion impaired;
can be specific, e.g.,with/who has paraplegia |
| dummy, dull-witted, retard, half-witted |
developmentally disabled, mentally retarded |
| fits, spells, spastic, attacks |
seizures, with/who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, etc. |
| confined to a wheelchair |
uses a wheelchair, wheelchair user |
4001.24 Checklist for Visual
Materials
- Planning
- Consider visuals in terms of total product, not individually.
- Determine possible range of representation:
a.) Race
b.) Gender
c.) Age
d.) Disability
e.) Ethnicity
f.) Non-traditional
- Consider variety of roles/poses of photo subjects, e.g., female or
Black in position of authority, disabled or older people in active participation.
- Implementing
- Arrange to have photo subjects available.
a.) Brief photo subjects on assignments and proper
attire.
b.) Arrange for a shooting location and any essential props.
- Call Center for Teaching and Learning to schedule a photographer.
a.) Provide as much information as possible.
b.) Allow sufficient time for a multitude of shots.
- Attend the photo session.
a.) Work closely with the photographer to ensure
that a wide variety of shots is produced.
b.) Assist in setting up the photos wanted for the product.
- Photo Selection
- Consider poses carefully.
a.) Academic/teaching
b.) Leadership/authority
c.) Research
- Avoid narrow or negative stereotyping.
a.) Women only taking dictation
b.) Blacks only playing basketball
c.) Disabled acting dependent
- Watch for effects of props and clothing.
a.) Outdated clothing styles
b.) Hat obscuring face
c.) Inappropriate background materials
- Reviewing
- Does the total
product provide a visually balanced representation?
- Seek opinions
of others, including minority members.
- Planning/implementing/reviewing
services are available through the Office of Affirmative Action Programs.