Equal Opportunity & Nondiscrimination in Employment & Education Policy

Custodian of Policy: Minnesota State System

Relevant Minnesota State System Policy: 1B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education

Effective Date: 5/15/13

Last Review: Spring 2022

Next Review: Determined by Minnesota State System

Relevant Procedures: 1B.1.1 Investigation and Resolution

Policy

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has an enduring commitment to enhancing Minnesota’s quality of life by developing and fostering understanding and appreciation of a free and diverse society and providing equal opportunity for all its students and employees. Minnesota State is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and education (1B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education Opportunity).

No person shall be discriminated and/or harassed against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in educational programs, services, and activities on the basis of membership or perceived membership in any of the following protected classes: race, sex (including pregnancy, child birth, and related medical conditions), color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, familial status, and membership or activity in a local human rights commission. Protected class also includes genetic information for employees. Harassment may occur in a variety of relationships, including faculty and student, supervisor and employee, student and student, staff and student, employee and employee, and other relationships with persons having business at, or visiting the educational or working environment.

Minnesota State shall maintain and encourage full freedom of expression, inquiry, teaching and research. Academic freedom comes with a responsibility that all members of our education community benefit without intimidation, exploitation, or coercion. This policy is directed at conduct that constitutes discrimination or harassment under this policy and is not directed at the content of speech. In cases in which statements and other forms of expression are involved, Minnesota State must consider an individual's constitutionally protected right to free speech and academic freedom. However, discriminatory or harassing conduct is not within the protections of academic freedom or free speech.

This policy applies to all individuals affiliated with Minnesota State, including but not limited to, its students, employees, applicants, volunteers, agents, the Board of Trustees, and others as appropriate and protects the rights and privacy of all involved individuals, as well as prevents retaliation. Complaints of conduct by a student occurring at a location other than on system property, including online, are covered by this policy pursuant to the factors listed in Board Policy 3.6, Part 2. Complaints of conduct by a system employee at locations other than system property, including online, are covered by this policy. Complaints of conduct on system property, including online, by individuals who are not students or employees are subject to appropriate actions by Minnesota State, including but not limited to, pursuing civil action against them, referral to law enforcement, or pursuing a no trespass. Individuals who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary or other corrective action. Allegations of conduct in violation of Policy 1B.1 may be submitted through the process identified in System Procedure 1B.1.1 Intervention and Resolution.

This policy supersedes all existing college, university, and Minnesota State equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies.

For the complete policy and procedure, please reference 1B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education Opportunity at minnstate.edu/board/policy/1b01.html and 1B.1.1 Investigation and Resolution.

Designated Officers (to address questions or concerns; to file a complaint for allegations against employees, including student employees, and student; and to attain a hard copy of the policy):

Employee Designated Officer Contact:
Kayla Kappes
Campus Human Resources Officer
Owens 214B
218.477.2226
kayla.kappes@mnstate.edu

Student Designated Officer Contact:
Troy Schmidt
Assistant Dean of Students
Flora Frick 153
218.477.2174
troy.schmidt@mnstate.edu

NOTE: Allegations of violence will be handled under other appropriate policies/procedures, including the University's Zero Tolerance of Workplace Violence Policy and Plan, Sexual Violence Policy and Procedure, and the University's Student Conduct Code. For information or assistance regarding these policies/procedures contact the following:

Zero Tolerance of Workplace Violence Policy & Plan

Jered Pigeon
Campus Diversity Officer/Director, Office of Diversity & Inclusion
CMU 114H
Moorhead, MN 56563
218.477.2047

Sexual Violence Policy & Procedure

Kara Gravley-Stack
Dean of Students/Title IX Coordinator
Flora Frick 153
218.477.4222

Student Conduct Code

Troy Schmidt
Assistant Dean of Students
Flora Frick 153
218.477.2174

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, all alleged criminal activity will be reported to the MSUM Public Safety Office and/or the appropriate law enforcement agency.

For TTY Communication, contact the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.