Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy

Iowa State University is committed to developing and implementing a program of nondiscrimination and affirmative action, a responsibility the university accepts willingly because it is the right and just thing to do. Because an educational institution exposes the youth of Iowa and of the nation to a multitude of ideas that strongly influence their future development, it is an area of our society where removing barriers is critical. ISU insists on promoting the concept of inclusion and participation.

This commitment is part of a larger commitment to developing a safe and supportive climate for all members of the ISU community in classrooms and laboratories, in offices, in the residence hall system, and throughout the campus. Iowa State University recognizes that a nondiscriminatory environment complements a commitment to academic inquiry and intellectual and personal growth.

The goal is to provide a nondiscriminatory work environment, a nondiscriminatory living and learning environment and a nondiscriminatory environment for visitors to the campus. Iowa State University herein recommits itself to comply with all federal and state laws, regulations, and orders, including the policies of the Iowa Board of Regents, State of Iowa , which pertain to nondiscrimination and affirmative action. All administrators and personnel providing input into administrative decisions are directed to ensure that all decisions relative to employment, conditions of employment and access to programs and services will be made without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Vietnam Era Veteran.

Exceptions to this directive may be made in matters involving bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity, actions designed to eliminate workforce under utilization, and/or where this policy conflicts with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, or orders. Iowa State University does not and will not tolerate unlawful discrimination. Iowa State will recruit, hire, train and promote persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or sexual orientation. Iowa State University will base employment decisions so as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and diversity.

No otherwise qualified person will be denied access to, or participation in, any program, activity, service, or the use of facilities on the basis of factors previously enumerated. Reasonable accommodation will be made to facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities in all such activities consistent with applicable federal and state laws, orders and policies.

Further, all supervisory personnel will be responsible for maintaining an environment that is free of racial, ethnic or sexual abuse and harassment. The university has adopted policies and procedures on Racial and Ethnic Harassment and Sexual Harassment. Copies of these policies and procedures may be obtained from the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, at the address listed below. Acts by anyone that adversely affect another person' employment, conditions of employment, academic standing, receipt of services, and/or participation in, or enjoyment of, any other activity, will be regarded as a violation of university policy and thereby be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Retaliation against persons filing complaints, for bringing the violation of this policy forward for review, or for assisting in a review, pursuant to a filed complaint or grievance, is prohibited.

In addition to the university's responsibility to comply with relevant state and federal laws and statutes, including but not limited to Executive Order 11246, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Iowa State University is committed to advancing excellence by enhancing diversity, through inclusion and participation in University-sponsored programs and activities as well as those that are conducted in cooperation with the university are expected to have the same high standards and commitment to equity.

Iowa State University has designated Carla Espinoza as the affirmative action officer and assigns overall program responsibility to her as the Director of the Office for Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Questions regarding complaints and/or compliance with affirmative action or equal opportunity should be directed to:

Carla Espinoza

3750 Beardshear Hall

Iowa State University

Ames , IA 50011-2038

515-294-7612