Policies

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Section: Human Resources
Index: C-22

Policy

The University of Houston-Victoria (UHV) is committed to providing a professional working and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. The UH System Anti-Discrimination Policy (“Policy”) provides the exclusive mechanism for UHV to manage the reporting of unlawful Discrimination and Harassment, as defined in this Policy, by providing a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution process.

Discrimination is treating an individual or members of a protected class less favorably because of their membership in that class or having a policy or practice that has a disproportionately adverse impact on protected class members. Discrimination may involve prohibited activities based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, religion, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or status, gender expression or any other legally protected status.

Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to:  epithets or slurs, threatening, intimidating or hostile acts or statements, and display or circulation (including through e-mail and virtual platforms) of written or graphic material in the learning, living or working environment, as long as the conduct rises to the level where it is actionable under the Policy.

This policy does not address allegations of sexual misconduct, which includes sexual harassment. Please refer to Sexual Misconduct Policy, C-12, which provides information for addressing concerns and complaints of sexual misconduct.

Discrimination and harassment are practices that will not be tolerated in any form by the University. The University will take allegations of unlawful discrimination and harassment seriously and will work to ensure that all persons are given appropriate support and fair treatment.

All members of the University are expected to adhere to this policy, to cooperate with the UH System procedures for responding to complaints of discrimination or harassment and to report conduct or behavior that they believe to be in violation of this Policy to the UHV Equal Opportunity Coordinator, who also serves as the UHV Title IX Coordinator. The Equal Opportunity Coordinator will coordinate the investigation and respond as necessary with appropriate individuals throughout the University of Houston System.

The University is committed to the elimination of discrimination and harassment through communication, clear policy, as well as on-going education and training for faculty, staff and students.

Procedure

The procedural recourse for responding to complaints of discrimination or harassment are set forth in the UHS Anti-Discrimination Policy, SAM 01.D.07. The System Anti-Discrimination Policy provides the exclusive mechanism for handling the investigation of any alleged unlawful discrimination or harassment, the determination of whether this policy was violated and the appeal of an Equal Opportunity finding as to violation/no violation of this policy.

Supporting Documents

1. UHS Policy 01.D.07, Anti-Discrimination
2. UHV Policy 01.D.08, Sexual Misconduct

Approved by:

Origination:     Equal Opportunity Department
Next Review Date:     June 2025  (3 years)

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS

If there are any comments and/or questions regarding this policy, please contact Brandon Lee, Equal Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator at (361) 570-4835.