Equal Opportunity

Policy 108

NOTE: For purposes of all Appalachian State University policies, references to SPA (subject to the State Personnel Act [former terminology]) shall be interchangeable with SHRA (subject to the State Human Resources Act [current terminology]); and references to EPA (exempt from the State Personnel Act [former terminology]) shall be interchangeable with EHRA (exempt from the State Human Resources Act [current terminology]).

Introduction

1.1 Appalachian State University (“Appalachian”) is committed to providing an equal opportunity experience to the Appalachian community.

Scope

2.1 This policy applies to all members of the Appalachian community, including students, faculty, staff, visitors, volunteers, and others who participate in programs, activities, or conduct business on behalf of Appalachian.

Policy and Procedure Statements

4.1 Equal Opportunity Non-Discrimination

4.1.1 Appalachian State University is committed to providing equal opportunity in education and employment to all applicants, students, and employees. Appalachian does not discriminate in access to its educational programs or activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or veteran status. Appalachian actively promotes diversity among students and employees.

4.1.2 The Office of Disability Resources (ODR) is the designated office to assist eligible students, faculty, staff and visitors with disabilities by determining access needs and coordinating academic adjustments or workplace accommodations and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504). For disability related inquiries, please contact the ADA/504 Coordinator.

4.1.3 The Office of Title IX Compliance coordinates the University’s compliance with Title IX and ensures that the University responds appropriately, effectively, and equitably to Title IX issues, including sex- and gender-based harassment and discrimination, which includes sexual misconduct. For Title IX related inquiries, please contact the Title IX Coordinator.

4.1.4 The Office of Human Resources in collaboration with the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, is responsible for coordinating compliance with university policies prohibiting discriminatory employment practices and managing the University's Equal Employment Opportunities/Affirmative Action programs. For Equal Employment Opportunity contact the Equal Employment Officer, for Affirmative Action inquiries, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Additional References

Appalachian Policy 110 – Discrimination and Harassment

Appalachian Policy 112 – Sex-Based Misconduct

Appalachian Policy 601.8 – EHRA Employees

Appalachian Policy 602.32 – Workplace Violence

Authority

Title II, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2000a, et seq.)

Title IV, the Violence Against Women Act, Violence Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994

Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2000e, et seq.)

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.)

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1990

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (38 U.S.C. 4301, et seq.)

Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 (95 U.S.C. 555, et seq.)

Contact Information

Office of Disability Resources (828-262-3056)

Office of Human Resources (828-262-3186)

Office of Title IX Compliance (828-262-2144)

Original Effective Date

October 1, 2011

Revision Dates

June 25, 2012

September 9, 2020

November 5, 2021 - previously policy 114