Discrimination and Harassment Policies

non-discrimination policy

In accordance with federal law, the law of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the policies of the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, the University does not discriminate in its programs, procedures, or practices against any person on the basis of age, citizenship, color, handicap, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. The University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

The Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Office (“EO/AA Office”) is responsible for the enforcement of the University’s non-discrimination obligations. A faculty member, staff employee, or student having a complaint of prohibited discrimination may file a discrimination complaint with the EO/AA Office subject to the standards and in accordance with the “UVa Discrimination Complaint Procedures.”

University of Virginia policy on sexual harassment

The University of Virginia strives to provide a working and educational environment for all faculty, staff, and students that is free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment in any form is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. It is a form of misconduct that undermines the institutional mission of the University. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct or written communication of a sexual nature is sexual harassment when:

1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or educational experience:
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individual; or
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work, academic performance, or participation in extracurricular activities, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment.

Sexual harassment can take many forms, and the determination of what constitutes sexual harassment will vary according to the particular circumstances. Sexual harassment may be described generally as unwelcome sexual behavior that a reasonable person would find offensive and that adversely affects the working or learning environment. Sexual harassment may involve behavior by a person of either gender against a person of the same or opposite gender. Possible examples may include but are not limited to the following: Seeking sexual favors or relationships in return for the promise of a good grade or other academic opportunity; Conditioning an employment-related action (such as hiring, promotion, salary increase, or performance appraisal) on a sexual favor or relationship; or intentional and undesired physical contact, sexually explicit language or writings, lewd pictures or notes, and other forms of sexually offensive conduct by individuals in positions of authority or co-workers, that unreasonably interferes with the ability of a person to perform her or his employment or academic responsibilities.

procedures for processing sexual harassment complaints

1. The Office of EOP is the University office responsible for accepting and processing sexual harassment complaints. Managers, supervisors,deans, and department heads should notify the Office of EOP when they receive complaints. Investigations will be conducted as promptly and in as confidential a manner as possible.
2. The procedure used by the Office of EOP for processing sexual harassment complaints is described in the document entitled “Discrimination Complaint Procedures.”
   Note: Federal and state law and University policy prohibit any form of retaliation against a person who files a discrimination complaint.
   Disciplinary action for sexually harassing behavior may include any and all of the following: a verbal or written warning,requirement to write a letter of apology, requirement to seek counseling, and/or training, suspension or dismissal.
3. Student complaints of sexual harassment by other students are covered by certain provisions of the Standards of Conduct administered by the University Judiciary Committee (UJC) of the University’s Judicial System. The Office of EOP will handle student complaints related to the conduct of professors, teaching assistants, and other employees of the University.