The University of Washington values diversity and is committed to promoting:
Respect for the Rights and Privileges of Others
Understanding and Appreciation of Human Differences
The Constructive Expression of Ideas
Laws and policies
This commitment is supported by the laws and policies discussed below, violations of which could result in legal and/or disciplinary actions.
University of Washington policy prohibits discrimination against members of the University community on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran (UW Handbook, Vol. IV). The University of Washington is firmly committed to full and positive compliance with the following, as applied by law, and/or university policy:
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, programs, services and activities.
Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color or national origin in educational programs receiving federal funds, and discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin or sex in employment, respectively;
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs receiving federal funds;
Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability in employment and education programs, respectively, in institutions receiving federal funds; Section 503 also requires affirmative action for persons with disabilities;
Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, and Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age in employment and educational programs, respectively;
Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972, as amended, prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran, and requiring affirmative action for disabled veterans and Vietnam era veterans;
Executive Order 11246, as amended, prohibiting discrimination in employment by federal contractors on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex, and requiring affirmative action for Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians and women;
Washington State Law Against Discrimination (CH. 49.60 RCW), prohibiting discrimination in employment or public accommodation (including educational programs) on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability;
Washington State Executive Order No. 9307, prohibiting employment discrimination in state government based on sexual orientation, and requiring affirmative action in employment for women, Asians, Blacks, Hispanics and American Indians, persons with disabilities, persons age 40 and over, disabled veterans and Vietnam era veterans;
Gender Equity in Higher Education Act of 1989 (Ch. 28B.110 RCW), prohibiting discrimination of students on the basis of gender in all public institutions of higher education in the state of Washington:
And other applicable state and federal laws, Executive orders, and University policy.
Your options
If you believe you have been discriminated against on the basis of any of the factors listed above, you may call these University offices for assistance:
University Complaint Investigation and Resolution Office 616-2028, TTY 616-4797
UW Equal Employment Office, 5431830 V/TDD
UW Ombudsman and Ombudsman for Sexual Harassment, 5430283, 543-6028
The following external agencies are also available:
Washington State Human Rights Commission, 4646500, TTY 587-5168
U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, 220-7880, TTY 220-7907
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 220-6883, TTY 2206882
Pursuant to Chapter 34.05 RCW and the authority granted by Chapter 28B.20.130 RCW, the Board of Regents of the University of Washington has established regulations on student conduct and student discipline on the University campus. As stated in the Student Conduct Code (CH.478-120 WAC), the University is a public institution having special responsibility for providing instruction in higher education, for advancing knowledge through scholarship and research, and for providing related services to the community. As a center of learning, the University also has the obligation to maintain conditions conducive to freedom of inquiry and expression to the maximum degree compatible with the orderly conduct of its functions. For these purposes, the University is governed by the rules, regulations, procedures, policies and standards of conduct that safeguard its functions and protect the rights and freedoms of all members of the academic community. Admission to the University carries with it the presumption that students will conduct themselves as responsible members of the academic community. As a condition of enrollment, all students assume responsibility to observe standards of conduct that will contribute to the pursuit of academic goals and to the welfare of the academic community.
Violations of the Student Conduct Code could result in a variety of disciplinary actions, including suspension or permanent dismissal from the University. Concerns regarding possible violations should be directed to: Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, 476 Schmitz Hall, 5434972
