Reaffirmation of Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy

Dear colleagues:

As we reach the midpoint of the academic year, it is essential that we continue our work to ensure that everyone at UCI is supported in their research, career and educational pursuits with equal opportunity and in an environment free of discrimination, harassment and sexual violence. Each of us, as members of the UCI community, has a responsibility to take steps to prevent discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual violence, including sexual assault, stalking, relationship violence and other sexual misconduct, and to report it when it occurs. Working together, we can effect real change in our community.

Discrimination or harassment based on a protected category, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, is prohibited by law and university policy. All employees who are not designated by policy as confidential employees are considered Responsible Employees and are required to report such incidents to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (OEOD). UCI takes allegations of discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual violence seriously and will respond promptly and effectively to reports of such conduct. Our sexual violence and sexual harassment policy, nondiscrimination policies, and guidelines on sexual violence and sexual harassment are available online and through the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. For additional information regarding the procedures related to discrimination, harassment and sexual violence complaints, please contact the OEOD at 103 Multipurpose Science & Technology Building, 949-824-5594 or oeod@uci.edu. Those affected by sexual harassment or sexual violence can receive confidential support through the Campus Assault Resources & Education office. Those accused of engaging in sexual harassment or sex violence can receive information and assistance through the Respondent Services Office. Helpful information and resources are available to all of our community at http://soinfo.uci.edu.

Additionally, as a federal contractor, the university undertakes affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity in employment for minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with a disability, as outlined in the UC affirmative action in the workplace policy. Taking affirmative action involves preventing discrimination and bias in recruitment and selection decisions and proactively increasing representation of minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with a disability in our applicant pools. For assistance with outreach efforts and elimination of bias in recruitment and other employment actions, contact your equity advisor, human resources personnel or the OEOD.

It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain a discrimination- and harassment-free community at UCI. Sustaining a climate that values diversity and fosters inclusion will help propel our university into its brilliant future. Therefore, please join me in reaffirming this commitment to equal opportunity and working to end sexual harassment and sexual violence in our community. 

Chancellor Howard Gillman