Policies & Procedures

Miscellaneous

Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy - 2C7 & 3C6

1. General Policy Statement ¹

   It is the policy of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) that all students, faculty, staff, and guests should be able to experience an educational environment free from discrimination, and discriminatory harassment. Discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, genetic history (including family medical history) age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy or related conditions, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service.
   
   This policy on non-discrimination and non-harassment reaffirms SIUE's commitment to maintain an environment in which ideas are pursued free of intimidation or fear, and the policy applies to admissions, employment, access to and treatment in all University programs and activities.

   Each member of the University community shares a common responsibility to maintain an environment free from discrimination and harassment.

   Discriminatory harassment is unwelcomed conduct (oral, written, visual or physical) directed against any person or group of persons because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation including gender identity, marital status, civil union status, age, physical or mental disability, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service that is subjectively and objectively offensive, and is so severe or pervasive, that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the University’s education program or activity, or denies or limits that person's or group of persons' access to employment opportunity or benefit.
   
   Discrimination and discriminatory harassment are strictly prohibited and may also be a violation of federal and or state laws. All members of the University community are encouraged to report promptly any conduct that could be in violation of this policy. Discrimination is also a violation of Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA).
   
   Individuals, including students, faculty, staff and others, believing they have experienced or witnessed discrimination or discriminatory harassment should report the incident promptly to their advisor or instructor, department head or supervisor AND refer the matter to the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination (EOA). Individuals wanting to file a complaint shall contact Ms. Mary Zabriskie, Director in the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination, Rendleman Hall, Room 3314, Box 1025, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1025, (618) 650-2333, Fax (618) 650-2270, EOA@siue.edu.

2. Scope
   

   This policy applies to University employees and students.

3. Complaint Procedures
   

   The University's procedures for handling allegations and/or complaints of discrimination are found in the University's Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Complaint Procedures (2C8 & 3C7). Procedures for handling allegations and/or complaints of Sex-Based Harassment, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, relationship violence and stalking are outlined in the University's Title IX Policy & Grievance Procedure – Sex Based Harassment (2C9 & 3C8).

4. Prevention
   

   The University will educate and train employees, periodically, regarding conduct that could constitute a violation of this policy and applicable complaint procedures. All management and supervisory personnel are expected to participate in such education and training and to be knowledgeable concerning this policy.

5. Prohibitions
   

   The following are strictly prohibited by this policy and are subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge:

   1. Discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, in any form covered by this policy;
   2. Retaliation for seeking information on discrimination, making a charge, filing a complaint, or testifying, assisting, or participating in an investigation proceeding or hearing involving a complaint of discrimination; and
   3. Intentional false accusations.
6. Confidentiality
   

   All parties participating in a complaint investigation are obligated to protect the privacy of all persons involved to the extent allowed by law. The EOA will take reasonable steps to try to ensure confidentiality.

7. Document Retention
   

   The EOA shall create and/or maintain documents related to the investigation and resolution of a complaint and will maintain confidentiality to the extent legally and ethically possible.

8. Dissemination of Policy
   

   The policy will be made available to all employees and students. Periodic notices sent to students, and employees concerning the University's policies against discrimination and harassment will include information about the complaint procedures and will refer individuals to the EOA for additional information.

9. Miscellaneous Provisions
   
   Effect on Pending Personnel Actions: The filing of a discrimination complaint shall not interfere with pending personnel action unrelated to a complaint filed under University policy.

10. Policy Information
    
    For more information regarding this policy, please contact Ms. Mary Zabriskie, the Title IX Coordinator and Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination, Rendleman Hall, Room 3314, Box 1025, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1025, (618) 650-2333, Fax (618) 650-2270, EOA@siue.edu.
    
    Individuals may also make inquiries or seek relief through the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights - Chicago Office (500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661), (312) 730-1560, Fax (312) 730-1576, TDD (312) 730-1609, ocr.chicago@ed.gov.

Sources: Titles VI and VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended; Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; Equal Pay Act of 1963; Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974; Executive Order of 11246; Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and the Illinois Human Rights Act.

¹ This policy and related procedures do not apply to complaints of Sex-Based Harassment (including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, relationship violence, and stalking). Complaints alleging Sex-Based Harassment are covered in the University's Title IX Policy & Grievance Procedure – Sex-Based Harassment (2C9 & 3C8)

The below policy applies to allegations that occurred prior to August 1, 2024