2.B University Policies and Statements
The University has a number of policies that relate to promoting diversity
and preventing discrimination. Through University policies, as well
as applicable state and federal laws, the University provides
a supportive and inclusive environment in which members of this community
can pursue their educational and professional objectives.
2.B.1
Regental Statement of Nondiscrimination Regarding Race, Sex, Color, Religion, Creed,
National Origin or Ancestry, Age, Marital Status, Sexual Orientation, Disability, or
Vietnam Era Veteran Status
As the governing body of the University of Michigan, the Regents have
adopted the following policy on nondiscrimination, a version of which
appears on all official University documents:
The University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination
and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex*, color,
religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status,
sexual orientation, disability, or Vietnam-era veteran status.
The University also is committed to compliance with
all applicable laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action.
*Includes gender identity and gender expression.
On February 23, 2005, Provost and Executive Vice President Paul N. Courant, issued a message to the University community that the UM General Counsel's Office had concluded that discrimination based upon gender non-conforming behavior, including gender expression and gender identity, is expressly included in and covered by the prohibition against sex discrimination and that therefore discrimination against members of the University community based on gender non-conforming behavior, gender expression or gender identity is prohibited.
Bylaw 14.06 (revised September, 1993). 2.B.2 Value of Diversity Statement
The Senate Assembly, representing the faculty of the University, passed
the following statement on January 26, 1998:
The University of Michigan Senate Assembly, the elected
governing body of the faculty, believes that the goals of an institution
of higher learning should be to generate new knowledge, to convey
knowledge to others, and to involve its faculty, students, and staff
in using this knowledge to address contemporary social problems. For
the University to excel in reaching these goals, the rich diversity
of contemporary society is a resource that needs to be tapped. Not
only does the education of students from diverse backgrounds itself
address societal problems, but collaborative efforts within the University
among persons with diverse points of view can facilitate the development
of new ideas in our intellectual enterprise and help us to formulate
creative solutions to societal problems. Civility in discourse and
the generation of mutual empathy among diverse parties are crucial
to the effectiveness of this process.
Our commitment to diversity means at the most basic
level a willingness both to recognize the value of disparate experiences
and visions and to weave them into the fabric of our institution.
Because of this, we are committed to a policy of recruiting and maintaining
a culturally and racially diverse student body and faculty that are
representative of contemporary society, and to assuring that these
diverse influences are respected and incorporated into the structure
of the University. In this way, we can provide students with the unique
educational experience and intellectual stimulation that can only
come from interacting with and learning to respect a broad range of
people with differing backgrounds, life experiences, beliefs, and
ideas
In order for the University to retain its leadership
role within the educational community, it must continue and expand
upon these efforts to reach out and include all who comprise our diverse
society in order to engage effectively its students, faculty, and
staff with the major societal problems of the present and future.
It is only through such a commitment that the University of Michigan
can positively and effectively influence the future of American education
and the world of the twenty-first century.
2.B.3 Interim Policy on
Discriminatory Harassment
Harassing behavior based on race, color, creed, religion, national
origin, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, marital status, handicap,
or Vietnam-era veteran status is a form of discrimination and is prohibited
by University policy. Common forms of discriminatory harassment are
racial, ethnic, and gender harassment. This kind of behavior threatens
to destroy the environment of tolerance and mutual respect that must
prevail if the University is to fulfill its purpose. The University
is prepared to act to prevent or correct discrimination or discriminatory
harassment on the part of its faculty and staff. See SPG
201.89-1.
2.B.4
Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Policy
It is the policy of the University that educational and employment
decisions should be based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications
and should not be based on irrelevant factors or personal characteristics
that have no connection with academic abilities or job performance.
An individual’s sexual orientation is among the factors which
should be irrelevant to educational and employment decisions. See
SPG
601.06.
2.B.5 Policy
Regarding Individuals with Disabilities
The University is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunities
for individuals with disabilities. Towards that goal, it has a policy
that sets forth the action to be taken by the University and its employees
concerning employment opportunities for qualified individuals with
disabilities
and provides for implementation and self-policing. See SPG
201.84.
2.B.6 Religious Academic
Conflicts Policy
The University of Michigan as a public institution does not observe
religious holidays. However, it is the University’s policy that
every reasonable effort should be made to help faculty and students avoid negative
academic consequences when academic requirements conflict with their
religious obligations. The official University policy, which is published
in the Ann Arbor Campus schedule of courses each term, states:
It is the policy of the University of Michigan to
make every reasonable effort to allow members of the University community
to observe their religious holidays without academic penalty. Absence
from classes or examinations for religious reasons does not relieve
students from responsibility for any part of the course work required
during the period of absence. Students who expect to miss classes,
examinations, or other assignments as a consequence of their religious
observance shall be provided with a reasonable alternative opportunity
to complete such academic responsibilities. It is the obligation of
students to provide faculty with reasonable notice of the dates of
religious holidays on which they will be absent by the end of the
fourth week of a full term or the end of the third week of a half
term. Students who are absent on days of examinations or class assignments
shall be offered an opportunity to make up the work, without penalty,
unless it can be demonstrated that a makeup opportunity would constitute
an unreasonable burden on the faculty. Should disagreement arise over
what constitutes an unreasonable burden or any aspect of this policy,
parties involved should contact the department chair, the dean of
the school, or the ombuds.
2.B.7 Sexual Harassment Policy
The University provides an academic and work environment in
which all members of the University community are treated fairly and
equitably and with the respect and dignity necessary to allow each
member
of the community to realize his or her full potential. Sexual harassment
is contrary to this goal and is not tolerated at the University. See SPG
201.89-0 and Chapter 11, “Sexual
Harassment.”
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