13.03 Equal Opportunity
Purpose
To provide guidelines regarding equal opportunity and non-discrimination at the university in compliance with applicable federal and state non-discrimination and affirmative action laws and regulations.
Policy Statement:
No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in employment, any educational program, or any activity of the university, on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or on any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) prohibits discrimination in its educational and employment policies and practices as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and other applicable laws, state codes, and the Iowa Board of Regents and university policies. The University of Northern Iowa prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence.
The following position has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the equal opportunity and non-discrimination policies and serves as the University Title IX Coordinator, Title VI and VII Coordinator, Section 504/ADA Coordinator, and Affirmative Action Officer: Assistant to the President for Civil Rights Compliance, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 117 Gilchrist Hall, UNI, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0028, 319-273-2846, civilrights@uni.edu. Additional information about reporting and resolving concerns may be found in Policy 13.02 and at civilrights.uni.edu.
Required Notice of Non-Discrimination:
All major publications of the university will include the following non-discrimination statement in compliance with Title IX and other non-discrimination regulations:
The University of Northern Iowa does not discriminate in employment or education. Visit https://policies.uni.edu/1303 for additional information.
A major publication is defined as any publication directly or indirectly used in the recruitment of students or employees, including publications geared to parents and alumni. Routine correspondence such as email, letters and postcards are not considered major publications.
A direct link to this policy is to be maintained on the university home page. In addition, the home pages of all major sites used for recruitment of students or employees will also maintain a direct link to this policy. Using the phrase ‘Non-Discrimination Statement’ is sufficient for incorporating the link from the respective site. The official home page footer maintained by University Relations is to be used to assure necessary links are included on all university pages.
Equal Opportunity in Employment:
The university is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment, retention, and advancement of employees without regard to membership in protected categories as listed above, except in rare instances where sex may be a bona fide occupational requirement.
Affirmative Action. The university community has the responsibility to abide by state affirmative action requirements for women and minorities as well as federal requirements for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Individuals making hiring decisions are responsible for adhering to affirmative action principles and complying with established procedures.
The Office of Civil Rights Compliance has oversight responsibility to confirm that recruitment practices and hiring decisions are made in compliance with Affirmative Action requirements. In fulfilling this responsibility, the Assistant to the President for Civil Rights Compliance or designee will communicate and consult on Affirmative Action principles and procedures and monitor search results to ensure good faith efforts are maintained and to assist with and facilitate the achievement of established affirmative action plans.
Positions at the University of Northern Iowa are to be filled by the customary search and selection policies and procedures. Exceptions will be authorized by the Division Head (President or Division Vice President). All offers of employment shall be extended in good faith compliance with this policy and UNI Affirmative Action Plans.
Other University Policies:
4.02 Staff Recruitment and Hiring
6.01 Faculty Appointments
6.02 Academic Department Head Recruitment/Appointments
6.03 Academic Dean Recruitment/Appointments
13.02 Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct
13.15 Campus Accessibility & Accommodations of Disabilities
Office of Civil Rights Compliance, approved June 2025
University Council, approved November 10,2025
President, approved November 25, 2025
[Last reviewed and/or updated: 12/2025, 6/2025, 12/2024, 10/2023, 2/2015]