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California State University, Long Beach
Office of Equity & Diversity
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Discrimination

Policy

It's Not Academic and it's Not Acceptable!

CSULB is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live, learn, and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility, and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual, without regard to economic status, political views, ethnic/racial background, sexual orientation, veteran status, or other personal characteristics or beliefs.

It is the policy of CSULB that no student, employee, volunteer, member of the public, nor recipient of services and/or benefits provided by CSULB shall be subjected to any form of prohibited discrimination in any CSULB programs or activities.

Discrimination of an individual or class of individuals as articulated in State of California, federal, CSU, and CSULB laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, and executive orders is prohibited if based upon:

  • Race
  • National origin
  • Ethnicity
  • Age
  • Pregnancy
  • Religion
  • Physical or mental disability
  • Color
  • Ancestry
  • Gender (including sexual harassment)
  • Marital status
  • Sexual orientation (actual or perceived)
  • Medical condition
  • Military service during the Vietnam era or other covered service

Taking Stock of Yourself

In determining if your own conduct might be unwelcome or discriminatory, ask yourself these questions:

  • Would my behavior change if someone in my family were observing?
  • Would I want any of my family members to be treated this way?

Taking Stock of the Situation

A hostile environment is one which is persistent and/or pervasive. Confronting someone could be difficult or discomforting. It is important for you to know that you have choices. The following is some general advice.

  • DO let the individual know that his or her behavior is offensive to you.
  • DO let the offender know specifically what you find offensive either directly or through someone you trust.
  • DO say specifically what you want or don't want to happen, such as "Please call me by my name, not by the term 'honey'", or "Please don't tell that kind of joke in front of me."
  • DO NOT blame yourself for someone else's behavior.
  • DO NOT choose to ignore behavior if it creates an environment that impedes your university life.

Options

If you do not feel it is possible to alter the behavior by your request, you may discuss internal and external options with the CSULB Office of Equity and Diversity. CSULB has established both informal and formal internal processes for complaint resolution. Internal complaints will be investigated and resolution attempted within CSULB. A copy of the CSULB process can be obtained from the Office of Equity and Diversity or by clicking on Policies, Statements . Complaint Resolution . Print all or Print sections.

Individuals retain the right to seek resolution of discrimination complaints outside the University. External complaints are those which are filed with a court or with a state or federal agency. The Office of Equity and Diversity can assist you in identifying appropriate agencies should you choose to seek external resolution.

Retaliation

Treating someone who files a discrimination complaint, reports discriminatory behavior, or assists in an investigation in any way that has a negative or punitive impact is a form of retaliation. Such behavior constitutes separate grounds for complaint.

The University will tolerate no form of retaliation against individuals who have exercised these rights.

Use the Campus Contacts link in the left window to access resource telephone numbers.

Published by the CSULB
Office of Equity and Diversity.
January 2001