13.03 Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination Statement

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, gender identity, 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 prohibits discrimination and promotes affirmative action 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, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws and University policies. The University of Northern Iowa prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the equal opportunity and non-discrimination policies and serves as the University Title IX Officer and the Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Leah Gutknecht, Assistant to the President for Compliance and Equity Management, Office of Compliance and Equity Management, 117 Gilchrist Hall, UNI, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0028, 319-273-2846, leah.gutknecht@uni.edu

Procedure

All major publications of the University will include the following condensed non-discrimination policy statement in compliance with Title IX and other non-discrimination regulations:

The University of Northern Iowa does not discriminate in employment or education. Visit  uni.edu/policies/1303 for additional information.

A major publication is defined as any publication that is directly or indirectly used in the recruitment of students or employees, including publications geared to parents and alumni.  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.  It is advised to use the official home page footer maintained by University Relations to assure necessary links are included on all university pages.

Other University Policies:

13.01 Affirmative Action

13.02 Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Office of Compliance and Equity Management, approved November 20, 2014
President’s Cabinet approved, February 2, 2015
President and Executive Management Team, approved February 9, 2015 
[Last reviewed and/or updated: 10/2023, 2/2015]