Human Resources Staff Manual

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B. Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

Wittenberg University is an independent, liberal arts and sciences college for undergraduate study affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Our fundamental purpose is the development of the intellectual, spiritual, aesthetic, social, and physical qualities, which characterize
wholeness of person.

Of the approximate 2,000 students at Wittenberg, more than one-third of them are from outside of Ohio, and the international student body represents more than 20 countries. The students are from varied racial and cultural backgrounds. We believe this diversity enriches the life of the university.

Wittenberg University is committed to developing a safe and open living and working environment for a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. For academic and social integrity, Wittenberg encourages an environment of respect for all people and diverse beliefs, and it maintains a policy of
nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status or basis prohibited by statute in the employment and advancement of university staff. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment,
including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

All university employees, and particularly supervisors, have a responsibility for keeping the work environment free of discrimination and harassment, sexual or otherwise. Any staff member who becomes aware of an incident of harassment, whether by witnessing the incident or being told of it, must report it to a supervisor or the associate vice president for human resources. The full text of the university's policy against sexual harassment and misconduct appears in Appendix E.

If you are uncomfortable or believe it would be inappropriate to discuss any matter with your supervisor, please report it directly to the head of your department or to the associate vice president for human resources. When the university is made aware that an act of discrimination or harassment may exist, it is obligated by law to take prompt and appropriate action.

If you make a complaint of discrimination or harassment, you will be protected from retaliation, regardless of the outcome of the complaint. The university prohibits any form of retaliation against any individual who assists with in a complaint investigation, including witnesses, supporters, and advisers. If you believe that you are experiencing retaliation, please notify the associate vice president for human resources.

It is the policy of Wittenberg University that there is no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental handicap/disability, or any other legally protected status or basis prohibited by statute in the employment and advancement of university staff. Staff members are selected on the basis of their skills, knowledge, and ability to perform or learn tasks.