Compliance Policies
Southern University at Shreveport Louisiana is an equal opportunity institution in accordance with civil rights and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or other factors prohibited by law in any of its educational programs, activities and employment opportunities. The Title IX Compliance offices are located in the Johnny L. Vance Center, Room 212.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND RELATED LAWS, Southern University at Shreveport Louisiana is committed to ensuring equal access to an education for enrolled or admitted students who have verified disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). College policy calls for reasonable accommodations to be made for eligible students with verified disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Any student enrolling in Southern University at Shreveport Louisiana with a documented disability and who requests accommodations must first provide a current evaluation of the disability from a medical professional. This documentation, which is required by federal guidelines, will remain on file in the Support Services (DSS) Office.
SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 obligates the University, as a recipient of federal financial assistance, to assure that qualified persons with disabilities are not excluded from programs and services on the basis of their disability.
THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, which covers all public entities and "places of public accommodation," reinforces this obligation, including the requirement to make reasonable accommodations in policies and practices to accommodate the limitations of individuals with disabilities. Services or benefits may not be provided to individuals with disabilities through programs that are separate or different unless the separate programs are necessary to ensure equally effective benefits and services.
THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 2008 revises the definition of "disability" to more broadly encompass impairments that substantially limit a major life activity. The amended language also states that mitigating measures, including assistive devices, auxiliary aids, accommodations, medical therapies and supplies (other than eyeglasses and contact lenses) have no bearing in determining whether a disability qualifies under the law. Changes also clarify coverage of impairments that are episodic or in remission that substantially limit a major life activity when active, such as epilepsy or post-traumatic stress disorder. The amendments took effect January 1, 2009.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION, Southern University at Shreveport does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. An ADA/Section 504/Title IX Coordinator has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY, Southern University at Shreveport Louisiana is committed to creating and maintaining a community/campus in which students, faculty, and staff can work in an environment free of all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, age, disability, or veteran status is a form of discrimination in violation of the law and will not be tolerated. Harassment based on sexual orientation or group affiliation is prohibited by this policy and also will not be tolerated.
All students, faculty, and staff are expected to adhere to this policy and will be held accountable for violating it. Southern University at Shreveport Louisiana will respond promptly to all complaints of harassment and retaliation. Violations of this policy can result in serious disciplinary action up to and including expulsion for students or discharge for employees (See the Southern University at Shreveport Student Handbook for additional information).