Discrimination & Equal Opportunity
The university prohibits discrimination, retaliation or harassment based on characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Some of these characteristics include but are not limited to age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, antisemitism, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy or sexual orientation).
Report Discrimination
This process is available to job applicants, employees, campus visitors, and others participating in campus programs or receiving campus services. Managers can submit a referral notice by using the online request form.
Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Arkansas is committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin or veteran status, and prohibits discrimination in all employment actions. Faculty, staff and students who feel they have witnessed or experienced discrimination and/or harassment are encouraged to report such instances.
Equal Opportunity
Ensures that all individuals are treated fairly and are provided with the same access to employment, education, programs, and services. It prohibits unfair treatment or barriers based on protected characteristics and promotes an environment where decisions regarding employment and participation are based on qualifications, abilities, and performance.
Affirmative Action
Affirmative action obligations apply under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These laws require covered employers to take proactive steps to ensure equal employment opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. This includes the development and implementation of affirmative action plans designed to promote fair treatment in all employment-related actions, such as recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment.
Retaliation
The University prohibits retaliation based on a protected activity, such as the filing of a complaint of alleged discrimination (including discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment) or participation in the investigation of such a claim. Any witness, complainant or respondent involved in an investigation shall not be retaliated against for their participation in the fact-finding process.
Discrimination vs Discriminatory Harassment
Discrimination refers to action or conduct that (1) is based on age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, antisemitism, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy or sexual orientation), or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law; and (2) adversely affects a term or condition of an individual’s employment, education, living environment, or participation in a program or activity.
Discriminatory Harassment is (1) unwelcome, protected class-based verbal, written or physical conduct that (2) is sufficiently severe or pervasive that (3) it unreasonably interferes with, denies, or limits an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from the University’s education or employment programs or activities; and (4) the creation of an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.