Discrimination Defined

Utah State University provides equal employment and educational opportunities and does not tolerate any form of:

• Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
• Harassment, including sexual misconduct, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
• Retaliation for reporting incidents of discrimination or sexual misconduct or engaging in other forms of protected activity.

The demographic traits listed above are commonly referred to as protected classes (policy 303). If you are subjected to an adverse academic or employment action based upon one or more of the protected classes, discrimination may have occurred.

Retaliation Definition

University policy prohibits retaliation by Students and Employees, regardless of whether they are parties.

Retaliation includes intimidating, threatening, coercing, or discriminating against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege under USU Policy 305 or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in a Formal Investigation, formal or informal proceeding, or hearing related to Discrimination.

A Student or Employee who engages in retaliation is subject to Corrective Action or Sanctions. An Employee who engages in retaliation may be subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Retaliation is governed by USU Policy 305.