Human Resources and Labor Relations
Section 401 General Equal Opportunity
Effective: 11/18/71
Last Revised: 1/23/06; 5/23/11; 7/17/17; 11/14/22
Responsible Office: Human Resources
Policy Statement:
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race*, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, veteran or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
The University will regard freedom from discrimination and discriminatory harassment as an individual employee and student right which will be safeguarded as a matter of policy. Any employee or student will be subject to disciplinary action for violation of this policy. Retaliation against anyone who makes a complaint of discrimination or harassment or who is involved in a complaint process will not be tolerated.
*Effective August 8, 2022, the Maine Human Rights Act was amended (LD 598) to specify that the definition of “race” includes traits associated with race, including hair texture, Afro hairstyles and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include braids, twists and locks.
Procedures:
Affirmative action plans for the various institutions and organizational units of the University System must be approved by the University President and Chancellor. Copies of the current institutional plan shall be on file at each University in the Office of Human Resources.
Related Documents:
Procedure for Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities (currently being revised)
Equal Opportunity Complaint Procedure