Nondiscrimination in Employment and Educational Opportunity
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, which includes Normandale Community College, is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. In addition, discrimination in employment based on familial status or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law is prohibited.
Harassment on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or familial status is also prohibited. Harassment may occur in a variety of relationships and can happen to anyone, regardless of age, marital status, gender, position or personal characteristics. Sexual harassment is also a violation of Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended in 1972 and 1991 (42 U.S.C. S2000e. Et. Seq.), the Minnesota Human Rights law (36.03 subdivision 51), and Title IX of the Education Amendments (20 U.S.C. 1681 Et. Seq.) and is punishable under both federal and state laws.
This policy is directed at verbal or physical conduct that constitutes discrimination/harassment under state and federal law and is not directed at the content of speech. In cases in which verbal statements and other forms of expression are involved, Normandale Community College will give due consideration to an individual’s constitutionally protected right to free speech and academic freedom. However, discrimination and harassment are not within the protections of academic freedom or free speech.
Normandale Community College shall maintain and encourage full freedom, within the law, of expression, inquiry, teaching and research. Academic freedom comes with a responsibility that all members of our education community benefit from it without intimidation, exploitation or coercion.
This policy shall apply to all individuals affiliated with Minnesota State, including its students, employees, applicants, volunteers, agents and Board of Trustees, and is intended to protect the rights and privacy of both the complainant and respondent and other involved individuals, as well as to prevent retaliation or reprisal. Individuals who violate this policy shall be subject to disciplinary or other corrective action.
The complete Minnesota State policy can be found by visiting the Minnesota State Board Policy website.