I. SCOPE
This policy applies to all George Mason University faculty, staff, students, university contractors, and visitors.
II. POLICY STATEMENT
George Mason University is committed to providing equal opportunity and an educational and work environment free from any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin/shared ancestry, sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status or genetic information. Mason shall adhere to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity/affirmative action statutes and regulations, including but not limited to: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972; and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.
The University is dedicated to ensuring access, fairness and equity for minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans (as covered by law) in its educational programs, related activities and employment. George Mason University shall thus maintain a continuing affirmative action program to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices in every phase of university operations.
Any employee who becomes aware of sexual harassment or other potentially discriminatory behavior must contact Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Retaliation against an individual who has raised claims of illegal discrimination or has cooperated with an investigation of such claims is prohibited.
III. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is responsible for administering and monitoring Mason’s equal opportunity/affirmative action policies and procedures.
IV. COMPLIANCE
Inquiries about or complaints alleging violation of the University’s equal opportunity/ affirmative action policies should be directed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Aquia Hall 373, MS 2C2, Fairfax, VA 22030. Phone (703) 993-8730.
V. MANDATORY TRAINING FOR NEW EMPLOYEES
The University is committed to an environment free of harassment and discrimination. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) provides discrimination prevention training as well as Title IX related training for all new employees.
All new employees must complete discrimination prevention training within the first 90 days of employment, which is part of the Human Resources new hire orientation. In lieu of attending the new hire orientation, new employees may attend “EO—A Fair Shake” training offered by DEI which meets this requirement.
Discrimination prevention training is mandatory for all new employees at the University (full-time and part-time faculty, full-time and part-time staff, and graduate assistants).
VI. EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPROVAL
This policy is effective upon the date of approval by the Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance and the Provost and Executive Vice President. This Administrative Policy shall be reviewed and revised, if necessary, annually.
Approved:
_/S___________________
Senior Vice President
_/S___________________
Provost
Date approved: April 20, 2006
Revised: April 2, 2015
Revised: December 14, 2015
Revision Approved: October 9, 2017
Revision Approved: May 21, 2020
Revised: July 30, 2021
Revised: January 20, 2023
Revised: December 13, 2023
Page last updated: December 13, 2023