POLICY:

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University.

DEFINITIONS:

Discrimination is conduct of any nature which denies equal privileges or treatment to a particular individual because of the individual's age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

Harassment may include, but is not limited to, verbal or physical attacks, written threats or slurs that relate to a person's membership in a protected class, unwelcome banter, teasing, or jokes that are derogatory, or depict members of a protected class in a stereotypical and demeaning manner, or any other conduct which has the purpose or effect of interfering unreasonably with an individual's work or academic performance or creates an offensive, hostile, or intimidating working or learning environment.

RESOLUTION OF COMPLAINTS:

The University will make every effort to promptly investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination or harassment, with due regard for fairness and the rights of both the complainant and alleged offender, and to conduct all proceedings in the most confidential manner possible.

Any member of the University community who experiences discrimination or harassment should immediately report the incident to the Affirmative Action Office, an administrator in his or her department or unit, or the Office of Human Resources. In cases where an individual reports alleged discrimination or harassment to an administrator, faculty member, or staff member, the person receiving the complaint should contact the Affirmative Action Office to discuss resolution and ensure consistent responses to issues across units.

The Affirmative Action Office has primary responsibility for resolving discrimination and harassment complaints. If unsuccessful at resolving the issue informally, the Affirmative Action Office may investigate to reach a formal determination on the merits of the allegations. Investigations will include notifying the alleged offender of the complaint and providing an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

If there is evidence of discrimination or harassment, the University will make every effort to ensure the discrimination and/or harassment immediately stops and does not recur. The complainant will be informed of the corrective measures taken.

The University prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a complaint and/or participates in an investigation involving alleged discrimination or harassment.

DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS:

Disciplinary sanctions for violation of this policy, which may range from a disciplinary warning to expulsion from the University, will be imposed in accordance with applicable University policies.

Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to:

Affirmative Action Director
The Pennsylvania State University
328 Boucke Building
University Park, PA 16802
Telephone: (814) 865-4700/V; (814) 863-1550/TTY