About Our Office
The successful achievement of the institutional affirmative action goals requires the good faith efforts of the entire University community. As expressed in the Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy Statement, it is the intent of the University that no person be subjected to discharge, suspension, discipline, harassment, or any form of discrimination for having utilized or having assisted others in the utilization of the Equal Opportunity Discrimination Complaint Procedure. The complaint procedure provides assistance and guidance for those alleging some form of discrimination. Obviously, a complaint may be withdrawn or resolved at any time in the process. The University encourages all employees or applicants to utilize this internal procedure before pursuing external actions.
Any complaint that is considered through the Equal Opportunity Discrimination Complaint Procedure must fit within the jurisdiction of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity and fulfill the following criteria:
- The complaint must arguably involve discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or identification as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era.
- The action must have already occurred and not merely be anticipatory or speculative.
- Any person claiming to be aggrieved by a discriminatory practice at the University may file a complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.
- Any person (student, employee, etc.) in the University may bring a complaint.
- A complaint may also be brought by a person outside the University community if the alleged offense occurred to the person with regard to application for admission as a student, inquiry or application for employment, or any other alleged discriminatory action by a University staff member acting in an official capacity. Any complaint presented to the Director (or his/her representative) of Equal Opportunity and Diversity will be kept confidential, to the extent possible, by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.
For the purpose of this brochure, the following terms will be used. “Complainant” is the person alleging discrimination. “Director” will be used as the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity or his/her representative who will handle the complaint. “Respondent” is the person who is the subject of the complaint.
The Complainant may discuss the complaint with the Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. This preliminary discussion will serve to inform the Director of all relevant information about the complaint. After the preliminary discussion with the Complainant, the Director will determine if the complaint meets the aforementioned criteria.
- If the criteria for jurisdiction of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity are not met, the complaint will not be processed through the Equal Opportunity Discrimination Complaint Procedure. The Director will inform the Complainant where jurisdiction belongs, or of alternative agencies to which the complaint may be pursued.
- If the complaint meets the jurisdiction of the Equal Opportunity Discrimination Complaint Procedure, the Complainant will complete a complaint form.
A review of the matter will follow:
- The Director will meet with the Respondent and his or her supervisor(s).
- The Director will meet with individuals who may have knowledge concerning the matter.
- The Director and relevant parties (Complainant and Respondent) will have access to all documents.
- Comments and documents provided to the Director will be treated, to the extent possible, as confidential.
- After conducting the review, the Director will attempt to assist each party to understand the various perspectives.
- The review and resolution will be completed, if possible, within ten working days.
- The findings and recommendations will be in writing, and the Complainant and Respondent will be advised of the results. These will be presented to the appropriate Vice President and General Counsel, if necessary, or with other appropriate personnel in developing a response to the complaint.
From: University Guidebook, Number 2002.01
Policy
The University is committed to a campus environment that values all individuals and groups, and to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons. No member of the University community shall discriminate against another on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or identification as a disabled and/or Vietnam Era veteran. Retaliation against an individual seeking advice on a discrimination matter, reporting a discriminatory act, or participating in an investigation of the proceedings of a discrimination matter is prohibited. The University is also committed to the principles of equal opportunity and acts in accordance with state and federal laws.
Resolution Number: YR 2000-39
Office of Equal Opportunity and
Diversity
Youngstown State University
Tod Hall, Room 223
Youngstown, OH 44555
Voice: (330) 941-3370
Fax: (330) 941-3108
