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University Policy 10

Policy Statement on Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

Formerly Executive Memorandum 76-21
Initially approved: September 26, 1975
Revised: October 28, 1975
Revised: July 1, 1976
Revised: June 1, 1999
Revised: July 31, 2007
Revised: August 10, 2009
Revised: November 13, 2012
Revised as interim policy: March 6, 2015
Approved by Executive Council:  March 16, 2015
Revised: August 29, 2016
Revised: May 22, 2018 (Technical Corrections)
Revised: February 11, 2020 (Technical Corrections) 
Revised: February 15, 2023 (Technical Corrections)
Revised: January 16, 2024

Policy Topic: Governance and Administration
Administering Office: Legal Counsel Office

I. POLICY STATEMENT

Western Carolina University is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and does not discriminate or treat people differently on the basis of race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; and National Guard or veteran status.  This includes a prohibition on sexual violence and sexual exploitation, which by definition involve conduct of a sexual nature and are prohibited forms of sexual harassment.  The University also prohibits stalking and interpersonal violence, which need not be based on an individual’s protected status. Western Carolina University provides aids and services to people with disabilities as required by law and policy. 

If you believe that Western Carolina University has discriminated against you or a third party on the basis of race; ethnicity; color; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation or National Guard or veteran status, or has failed to provide aids or services to persons with disabilities as required by law and policy, you may file a grievance pursuant to University Policy 53 – Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Other Unlawful Discrimination

 

II. SCOPE AND APPLICATION OF POLICY

This policy applies to all university students, faculty and staff, trustees and officers, agents, and contractors.


III. COMPLAINTS OF UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION

Complaints of unlawful discrimination shall be investigated and resolved in accordance with the policy and procedures set forth in University Policy #53, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Other Unlawful Discrimination.

 

IV. CONTACTS

Western Carolina University's Title IX Coordinator is:

Deidre Hopkins
520 HF Robinson
Cullowhee, NC  28723
email: dshopkins@wcu.edu
828-227-7116 (office phone)
828-227-7047 (fax)

Western Carolina University's Section 504 Coordinator is:

Deidre Hopkins
520 HF Robinson
Cullowhee, NC  28723
email: dshopkins@wcu.edu
828-227-7116 (office phone)
828-227-7047 (fax)

V. POLICY REVIEW

This policy shall be reviewed and revised as necessary every four (4) years.

VI. RELATED POLICIES AND RESOURCES

University Policy #53, Unlawful Discrimination

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