The Office of Equity and Diversity Services (OEDS)
- Monitors the university's continuing commitment to affirmative action and equal opportunity both in its employment and educational practices (www.gmu.edu/equity/discrimination.shtml)
- Provides university leadership with both qualitative and quantitative data to assure the continuance of these practices.
- Ensures that members of the campus community understand their rights and responsibilities, specifically in regard to maintaining a learning and working environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, and age. (www.gmu.edu/equity/resources.shtml)
- Works collaboratively with other university offices and programs to ensure both physical and program access for persons with disabilities.
- Assists in providing reasonable accommodations for employees and visitors. (www.gmu.edu/equity/disabilities.shtml)
- Works collaboratively with other campus entities and the surrounding community to create, design and disseminate programs that bring diverse people together for the purpose of learning about and from one another and to share experiences and ideas.
What is Discrimination?
If one is treated differently on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. Examples include:
- Ethnic slurs, racial "jokes," sexualized conduct, offensive or derogatory comments, or other verbal or physical conduct based on illegal discrimination constitutes unlawful harassment if the conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or academic environment or interferes with the individual's performance.
- Treating an individual differently in hiring, promotion, or other employment actions and benefits because of their race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or veteran status
- Treating an individual differently in the admissions process, evaluation and grading, or other academic or program activity because of their race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.
- Failing to provide reasonable accommodations to students, staff and/or visitors with disabilities.
What can I do if I am or I know an individual who is a victim of illegal harassment or discrimination?
Contact the Office of Equity and Diversity Services at 703 993 8730. www.gmu.edu/equity
