Oregon State University is committed to creating and maintaining an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment. All individuals who are participating in university programs and activities, and all those who apply to participate in university programs and activities, have the right to do so fully, free from prohibited discrimination and discriminatory harassment.

Discrimination

Conduct, either intentional or unintentional, based on a protected status that:

  • Excludes an individual from participation in any university program or activity for which they are otherwise eligible; or
  • Denies the individual the benefits of a university program or activity for which they are otherwise eligible; or
  • Otherwise adversely affects a term or condition of an individual’s employment, education, on-campus housing, or participation in a university program or activity.
  • The failure to provide reasonable accommodations required by law or university policy based on disability, pregnancy, or religious practice may constitute discrimination. 

Discriminatory Harassment

Conduct towards an individual (or group of individuals), based on protected status, that is unwelcome and sufficiently severe or pervasive that:

  • It creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment in which to work, learn, or participate in a university program or activity; or,
  • It unreasonably interferes with the individual’s academic pursuits, employment, or participation in a university program or activity; and
  • A reasonable person in the same circumstance would be similarly affected by the conduct.
  • Discriminatory harassment may take many forms, including verbal acts such as name calling, oral statements, and visual, electronic, or written statements, or other conduct that a reasonable person would find physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment does not have to involve the intent to cause harm, be directed at a specific individual, or involve repeated incidents in order to be prohibited.  

Protected Statuses and Identities

The university prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship, marital or family status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status / service in the uniformed service, or any other status protected by law or OSU policy.

View OSU’s Full Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy.

Reporting

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA) documents any reports made to EOA that involve potential unlawful discrimination or discriminatory harassment. Individuals are encouraged to promptly report concerns to EOA or to otherwise document any incidents involving conduct that may constitute unlawful discrimination or discriminatory harassment.

EOA can provide information on available rights and resources and consultation to individuals even if they do not submit a formal complaint to EOA and even if they do not want to proceed with a resolution into their situation. For individuals seeking a resolution through EOA, several informal resolution options are available or EOA may proceed with an investigation when the alleged conduct could violate OSU policy.    

OSU employees who are represented by a union are encouraged to consult with their union steward or collective bargaining agreement immediately if they plan to bring a concern to EOA, as consulting with EOA may impact deadlines or employee rights under their respective collective bargaining agreement.

Filing a complaint of discrimination and harassment with EOA does not preclude you from filing with other federal or state agencies.

Privacy

EOA is not a confidential office. We keep reports made to our office as private and confidential as possible during and after EOA’s involvement in a matter, but we may need to share information with other offices (such as Human Resources) so that we can best assist with the concern. We protect complaint and investigation information to the fullest extent allowed by relevant laws.

In order to protect the safety of the campus community, there are some circumstances EOA may need to proceed with an investigation or other appropriate action even if the person reporting specifically requests that the matter not be pursued. 

There are confidential offices on and off campus who can hear concerns and provide support, but are not required to take action with the information. Visit Resources for confidential campus and community resources or contact the University Ombuds Office, which is a confidential university resource available to all students and employees  

Related Information

Information on the Oregon Workplace Fairness Act

Read Former OSU President Ray's statement on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative of Non-Discrimination

Federal "EEO is the Law" Equal Opportunity Informational Poster; Supplement