Nondiscrimination in Employment and Educational Opportunity
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, which includes Normandale Community College, has an enduring commitment to enhancing Minnesota’s quality of life by developing and fostering understanding and appreciation of a free and diverse society and providing equal opportunity for all its students and employees. Minnesota State is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and education.
Minnesota State prohibits discrimination and harassment against persons in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in educational programs, services, and activities on the basis of membership or perceived membership in any of the following protected classes: race, sex (including pregnancy, child birth, and related medical conditions), color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, familial status, and membership or activity in a local human rights commission. Protected class also includes genetic information for employees.
Minnesota State shall maintain and encourage full freedom of expression, inquiry, teaching and research. Academic freedom comes with a responsibility that all members of our education community benefit without intimidation, exploitation, or coercion. This policy is directed at conduct that constitutes discrimination or harassment under this policy and is not directed at the content of speech. In cases in which statements and other forms of expression are involved, Minnesota State must consider an individual's constitutionally protected right to free speech and academic freedom. However, discriminatory or harassing conduct is not within the protections of academic freedom or free speech.
This policy applies to all individuals affiliated with Minnesota State, including but not limited to, its students, employees, applicants, volunteers, agents, the Board of Trustees, and others as appropriate and protects the rights and privacy of all involved individuals, as well as prevents retaliation.
The full Minnesota State Board Policy (1B.1) can be found at https://www.minnstate.edu/board/policy/1b01.html.