I. Background/Definitions
A. Discrimination
Introduction
Discrimination Prohibited by Law and by CSULB
Examples

IV. Complaint Resolution
Who May File a Complaint
How to File a Complaint

Discrimination

Introduction

The basic reasons for which a university exists are the discovery and transmission of knowledge, and activities that are founded upon the free and open exchange of ideas. Such activities flourish only in a climate unfettered by exploitation, coercion, harassment, intimidation, and/or reprisal.

Members of the CSULB community have the right to live, work, and learn in an environment free of unlawful discrimination. It is the policy of CSULB that no student, employee, volunteer, member of the public, or recipient of services and/or benefits provided by CSULB shall be subjected to any form of prohibited discrimination in any CSULB programs or activities.

Definition

Discrimination is treatment of an individual or class of individuals which denies opportunity, participation, or benefit on any of the identified grounds.

Discrimination Prohibited by Law and by CSULB

Race
Color
National origin
Ancestry
Ethnicity
Gender, including sexual harassment
Age
Marital status
Pregnancy

Vietnam Era Veterans Status
Special Disabled Veterans Status
Covered military service (http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vgmedal2.htm)
Sexual orientation (real or perceived)
Religion
Medical condition
Physical or mental disability
Retaliation against individuals who have exercised their rights under these laws [Rev. March 2001]

Examples of Discrimination

The following are examples of behavior that could be interpreted as prohibited discrimination. These examples are meant to be illustrative only and are not an inclusive list.

Verbiage that could be interpreted as being offensive, such as comments about someone's race, sex, ancestry, color, age, physical or mental disability, mental status, religion, sexual preference, or veteran status.
Not allowing a student or employee the time away from class or work to observe a religious holiday, or not allowing him or her to make up the time of work lost due to observance of religious holiday
Screening a person out of a job on the basis of age
Treating a student or employee or peer differently because of her/his race
Constantly commenting or kidding about someone's ancestry
Not providing assistance to an employee or student because of a physical or mental disability when you provide this assistance to everyone else
Not being sensitive to others' needs because of their gender
Not listening to, or not taking seriously, suggestions or ideas from someone because of her/his gender
Not giving credit to someone for a well-done effort because of her/his race
Not considering someone for a position because of her or his covered military service