East Carolina University Faculty Manual

PART VI.

GENERAL PERSONNEL POLICIES

 

VI.  Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy (Formerly Appendix K)

East Carolina University is committed to equal opportunity for all members of the university community.  In addition, it will take affirmative action to increase recruitment and hiring of black and female faculty and staff.  The following is the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy as it appears in the East Carolina University Affirmative Action Plan (1983‑1986). East Carolina University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, veteran’s status, gender, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.  (Faculty Senate Resolution #03-37, September 2003)

 

East Carolina University's policy on nondiscrimination and its affirmative action program are consistent with, and pursuant to, the guidelines set forth in Executive Order 11246 with its implementing regulations.  The East Carolina University Affirmative Action Program implements guidelines set forth under Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Sections 799A and 845 of the Public Health Service Act; the Equal Pay Act; Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1976; and the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 as amended.  Appropriate equal opportunity clauses are included in purchase agreements as required.

 

The university's policy is consistent with North Carolina General Statutes 126‑16: "All state...agencies...of North Carolina shall give equal opportunity for employment, without regard to race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, or physical disability to all persons qualified, except where specific age, sex, or physical requirements constitute bona fide occupational qualifications necessary to proper and efficient administration.  This section with respect to equal opportunity as to age shall be limited to individuals who are at least 40 years of age but less than 70 years of age."  It is also consistent with The Code of The University of North Carolina, Section 103: "Admission to, employment by, and promotion in The University of North Carolina and all of its constituent institutions shall be on the basis of merit, and there shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex or national origin...."

 

In addition, East Carolina University prohibits sexual harassment of students, faculty, or staff members. Sexual harassment is defined as deliberate, unsolicited, unwelcomed verbal and/or physical conduct of a sexual nature or with sexual implications.  The definition does not include personal compliments welcomed by the recipient or relationships which are freely entered into by both parties. East Carolina University is committed to providing and promoting an atmosphere in

which employees realize their maximum potential in the workplace and students can engage fully in the learning process. Accordingly, sexual harassment by and of both employees and students is prohibited by this policy. 

 

East Carolina University, as part of its continuing affirmative action efforts, endorses the following:

1.   It is illegal and against the policies of East Carolina University for any employee to sexually harass another employee by:

a.   making unwelcomed sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature a condition of an employee's continued employment, or

b.   making submissions to or rejections of such conduct the basis for employment decisions affecting the employee, or

c.   creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment by such conduct.

2.    It is against the policies of East Carolina University for any employee to sexually harass a student by:

a.   making unwelcomed sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature a condition of a student's grade, progress, or recommendation or

b.   creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment by such conduct.

 

Sexual harassment shall hereinafter be deemed a form of discrimination based on sex as prohibited by Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, by North Carolina General Statute 126‑16 (employees), and by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (students).

 

A.  Responsibilities

Responsibility for implementation of these policies rests with the chancellor.  The vice chancellors, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, deans of professional schools, department chairpersons, and principal administrative directors are delegated responsibility for implementing these policies.  They will assure that decisions involving recruitment, selection, appointment, and promotion of faculty and staff at all levels are made in a nondiscriminatory manner and in accordance with the goals of the Affirmative Action Plan.

 

The chancellor has also appointed the director of Equal Opportunity Programs to coordinate all aspects of the Affirmative Action Plan, initiate programs to assist in reaching the goals of the Affirmative Action Plan, maintain a record system, identify problem areas, and assist faculty and staff and students to resolve problems.  This individual is assisted by the associate director of Equal Opportunity Programs.

 

B.  Grievances   

Any student of East Carolina University who has a complaint of discrimination should follow the procedure outlined in the Student Government Association Documents.  Current, former, or prospective faculty or staff who have complaints should follow the procedure outlined in the Affirmative Action Plan and in the grievance procedure set forth in Appendix J, Informal Faculty Grievance Procedure for Grievances Involving Sex Discrimination and Other Equal Employment Opportunity Complaints.  Copies of the complete Affirmative Action Plan are available in Joyner Library, Health Sciences Library, office of Equal Opportunity Programs, department of Human Resources, and the office of each vice chancellor.

 

(Approved:  30 June 1983, East Carolina University Chancellor)