Reaffirmation of Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy

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 and harassment.

Discrimination or harassment based on protected identity, 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 stop, prevent, and address conduct 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, or retaliation involving students. Supervisors, faculty, Human Resources, and UCIPD have a further duty to report incidents involving any person affiliated with the university, including patients at UCI Health. Reporting to OEOD ensures a consistent university response and that those impacted can learn about their rights, options, and resources.

President Drake recently established the UCOP Systemwide Office of Civil Rights and issued the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy to support the longstanding efforts to address discrimination and harassment on the UC Irvine campus and health enterprise. For any questions on the policy or to make a report, please contact oeod@uci.edu.

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