3.18 Discrimination

Replaces A&O Policy 2.28 effective August 1, 2024

3.18: Discrimination

Executive Sponsor: Chief Diversity Officer

Responsible Unit: Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX

Effective: August 1, 2024

STATEMENT

Gallaudet University strives to foster a welcoming environment that values belonging, equity, diversity, and dignity in people. This policy reiterates the University’s commitment to: promptly and equitably eliminate, prevent, and address prohibited conduct; foster a culture where prohibited conduct is not tolerated; ensure all University members are well informed and supported when reporting prohibited conduct; provide a fair and impartial process for all parties; and clearly establish the standards and procedures through which violations of this policy will be evaluated and disciplinary action may be imposed.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all faculty, teachers, staff, students, and guests, and to all divisions and units, including Clerc Center, at Gallaudet University.

This policy applies to acts of discrimination and related retaliation committed by or against faculty, teachers, staff, students, and guests when the conduct:

• takes place on University property;
• occurs in the context of University employment or education program or activity, including but not limited to, University-sponsored academic, athletic, extracurricular, study abroad, research, online or internship programs or activities;
• takes place off University property and outside the context of a University employment or education program or activity, but: 1) has a continuing adverse effect on a University education program or activity; or 2) creates a hostile environment for students, employees, or guests while on University property or during any University employment or education program or activity; or
• indicates a danger or threat to the health and safety of University members.

Nothing in this policy should be interpreted to abridge academic freedom.

POLICY

It is the policy of Gallaudet University to provide an environment for all members of the University community that is free of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected under federal law, the D.C. Human Rights Act, or any other applicable law (“Protected Characteristic”).

The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX shall be responsible for the development and implementation of any procedures and training and for responding to any reports or complaints of violations under this policy.

Prohibited Conduct

All University members are prohibited from engaging in, or assisting, or abetting another’s engagement in discrimination based on a Protected Characteristic and related retaliation (collectively, “Prohibited Conduct”).

Reporting of Prohibited Conduct

To foster an environment free from Prohibited Conduct, all University members are encouraged to take reasonable action to prevent, stop, and report all instances of Prohibited Conduct.

Unless prohibited by HIPAA or other laws, or by a professional license requiring confidentiality, Supervisors and Human Resource professionals are required to report possible instances of Prohibited Conduct that they learn about during the course of performing their respective employment duties.

SCHEDULE OF REVIEW

This policy shall be reviewed every three years and as needed to comply with any applicable laws and regulations. The next scheduled review shall be completed by: August 2027

APPROVED BY

Gallaudet University Administration

July 31, 2024

RELATED POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND RESOURCES

• 3.01 Equal Opportunity Statement
• 3.19 Title IX Sex Discrimination, Sex-Based Harassment, and Retaliation
• 3.20 Pregnancy and Related Conditions and Parenting Students
• EOP.01 Discrimination and Retaliation Complaint and Resolution Procedures
• EOP.02 Title IX Sex Discrimination, Sex-Based Harassment, and Retaliation Resolution Procedures
• Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX

HISTORY

2024 08 01 replaces A&O Policy 2.28 and renumbered to 3.18

comprehensive update and revisions