Reaffirmation of UCI’s Commitment to Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity, and the Prevention of Harassment

To the Anteater Community:

With the start of the new calendar year, it is essential that we continue our work to ensure that everyone at UC Irvine is supported in their research, career, and educational pursuits with equal opportunity and in an environment free of discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence.

Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on a protected basis, including race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender transition status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services, including protected veterans, is prohibited by law and university policy. UCI takes allegations of discrimination seriously and will respond promptly and effectively to reports and take appropriate action to prevent, to correct, and, when necessary, to discipline behavior that violates university policy.

All university employees (“Responsible Employees”) must make a report to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (OEOD) when they learn through the course of their employment of an incident of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or sexual misconduct involving students. Supervisors, faculty, Human Resources, and UCIPD have a further duty to report incidents involving any person affiliated with the university. Reporting to OEOD ensures a consistent university response and that those affected can learn about their rights, options, and resources.

For more information on our nondiscrimination and affirmative action policies and UCI Guidelines on Discrimination and Harassment or to make a report, please contact OEOD. Additionally, the start of the year brought changes to federal and state law, and accordingly the university updated the UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy.

As a federal contractor and in alignment with federal regulations, the university undertakes affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity in employment for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans. More information can be found on the OEOD Affirmative Action website. For assistance with affirmative action efforts, contact your equity advisor, human resources personnel, or OEOD.

It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain a discrimination-free community at UCI. We must sustain a climate that respects civil rights, values diversity, and fosters inclusion to help propel our university into its brilliant future. Therefore, please join me in reaffirming this important commitment.

Chancellor Howard Gillman