Prohibited Discrimination
and
the Complaint/Grievance Process
Prohibited Discrimination
Portland State University supports equal opportunity in admissions, education, employment, and use of facilities by prohibiting discrimination in those areas based on age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion or creed, sex or gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other applicable basis in rule or law. This policy implements local, state and federal laws (including Title IX and Administrative Rules pertaining to prohibited discrimination); inquiries about it should be directed to the Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity Office, 122 Cramer Hall, 503-725-4417; TTY: 503-725-6503, website: afm@pdx.edu.
General Definitions of Prohibited Discrimination
The Complaint/Grievance Process
The PSU Affirmative Action/EO Office uses a non-advocacy, fact-finding investigative process that primarily involves interviewing the complainant, respondent and witnesses, and collecting and compiling supporting documents, in order to resolve discrimination related complaints or grievances. The process begins on an informal basis if it appears that both parties are willing to participate and if the desired outcome is negotiable. Sometimes discrimination issues or concerns are due to ignorance or misunderstandings that are easily resolved through an informal process. Informal resolutions might include (but are not limited to) apologies, mediation, or participation in discrimination awareness and prevention classes.
In the event that informal resolution fails or is not possible, the PSU Affirmative Action/EO Office uses a formal process. If there is a preponderance of evidence indicating a finding of discrimination (including sexual harassment) many different actions could be recommended. These range from requiring the respondent to participate in related educational programs to more severe consequences, up to and including termination. Even if the investigation does not result in a finding of discrimination, the process can sometimes reveal a behavior on the part of those involved that is not illegal or against any applicable policy, but nevertheless, is undesirable and needs to be changed.
See specific links below for additional information.
Student Discrimination Complaint and Resolution Options
Faculty and Staff Complaint and Resolution Options (Under Construction)
Public Complaint and Resolution Options (Under Construction)
|