At The University of Texas at Austin, diversity and excellence are mutually reinforcing goals that support our core purpose to transform lives for the benefit of society. Diverse people, ideas, and perspectives within our university community advance our mission to achieve preeminence in teaching, research, and service. As president, I strongly reaffirm our institutional commitment to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in all aspects of our operations.
This policy statement reminds all employees of their rights and responsibilities under the law. The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action [1]. In accordance with federal and state law, the university prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, including sexual harassment, age, disability, citizenship, and veteran status. Pursuant to university policy, the university also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The University of Texas at Austin also fosters an environment of open communication and is committed to protecting individuals from retaliation who participate or engage in protected activities.
Employees of the University may seek assistance from the Office for Inclusion and Equity (OIE) if they believe they have been the subject of employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation prohibited by law or university policy. The Office for Inclusion and Equity is located at 100 West Dean Keaton, on the third floor of the Student Services Building (SSB), Suite 3.212, Austin, Texas, 78712-1541. OIE can be contacted in person, via email at equity@utexas.edu, or by phone at (512) 471-1849. All inquiries will be confidential to the extent permitted by law. Retaliation against employees for seeking the assistance of OIE is strictly prohibited by University policy and state and federal law.
As president, I commit this institution to fulfill both the spirit and intent of equal employment opportunity/affirmative action laws and policies. Further, I expect each member of the university community to make decisions in accordance with the principles of nondiscrimination and to ensure that all equal opportunity and affirmative action obligations are met. As a university, we make this commitment not only to ensure compliance with the law, but also to accord respect and to include all members of our community. Additional information can be found at equity.utexas.edu.
[1] Equal employment opportunity is the law and the University, as a federal contractor, shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation are prohibited under the following laws and regulations: Executive Order 11246, as amended, in accordance with Executive Order 13672, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974 (VEVRRA/503), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008, and the Texas Labor Code, Chapter 21. Any individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, Vietnam era, special disabled veteran status, or other protected category may also contact the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, or the Texas Workforce Commission, Civil Rights Division.
