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Office of Equal Opportunity

Discrimination and Harassment

NC State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination, harassment and retaliation based on a person’s age (40 years or older), color, disability, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation or veteran status is prohibited. All applicants, employees, students and other individuals who participate in university or university-sponsored programs or activities and/or who conduct university business, on- or off-campus, are provided protections under NC State Policy 04.25.05.

Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy Definitions

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Protected Status

NC State Policy 04.25.05 defines protected status as race; color; religion (including belief and non-belief); sex, including but not limited to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, parenting, and sexual harassment; sexual orientation; actual or perceived gender identity; age; national origin; disability; veteran status; or genetic information.

Discrimination

NC State Regulation 04.25.02 defines discrimination as “differential treatment of a person because of a person’s Protected Status which denies, limits, or adversely impacts a term or condition of a person’s employment, education, or their participation in University programs or activities.”

Harassment

NC State Regulation 04.25.02 defines harassment as “a form of Discrimination that consists of unwelcome conduct due to a person’s Protected Status

Retaliation

NC State Regulation 04.25.02 defines retaliation as “any adverse action (including but not limited to intimidation, threats, or coercion relating to an adverse action) against a person because that person engaged in a Protected Activity.”

Protected Activity

NC State Regulation 04.25.02 defines protected activity as “making a Complaint; participating as a Witness or Party in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing involving an alleged violation of the Nondiscrimination Policy; or requesting a reasonable accommodation or modification based on disability, religion, or pregnancy or related condition.”

Examples of Prohibited Conduct

Understanding our Nondiscrimination Policy

It can be difficult to know what if something might be something that violates NC State’s Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy 04.25.05. We’ve provided a guide that helps describe what “Prohibited Conduct” such as Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation looks like for each Protected Category. This is not an exhaustive list, and whether a specific action or behavior is a policy violation depends on the unique context of the situation. While the list doesn’t cover every possible scenario, it provides common examples of behavior that doesn’t live up to our community standards and may violate our policy.

Guide on Prohibited Conduct

Reporting and Support

We encourage anyone who believes they have been treated unfairly to contact us. The OEO provides resources and investigates reports to determine if conduct meets the legal and policy definitions of discrimination or harassment.

File a Report

Procedures

Individuals who feel they may have experienced discrimination or harassment may request a consultation with the Office of Equal Opportunity prior to filing a complaint. A consultation will include discussing university resources, supportive measures, and the complaint procedures available. Supportive measures which can (but are not limited to): “no contact” orders, relocation in University Housing, and adjustments to class schedules. Contact our office at equalopportunity@ncsu.edu or 919.513.0574.

NC State responds to complaints of discrimination or harassment through two processes: formal investigation or facilitated resolution.

Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Resolution Procedures

If you feel you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you may: