ARTICLE I

Purpose

Michigan State University's scholarly community building efforts occur within the context of general societal expectations, as embodied in the law. The University, consistent with its policies and governing law, promotes institutional diversity and pluralism through mechanisms such as affirmative action, within an over-arching strategy promoting equitable access to opportunity. The University's commitment to non-discrimination is the foundation for such efforts.

This policy states expectations for institutional conduct. It applies to all university community members, including faculty, staff, students, registered student organizations, student governing bodies, and the University's administrative units, and the University's contractors in the execution of their University contracts or engagements, with respect to the following:

1. All educational, employment, cultural, and social activities occurring on the University campus;
2. University-sponsored programs occurring off-campus, including but not limited to cooperative extension, intercollegiate athletics, lifelong educations, and any regularly scheduled classes;
3. University housing; and
4. Programs and activities sponsored by student governing bodies, including their constituent groups, and by registered student organizations.

ARTICLE II

Prohibited Discrimination

Unlawful acts of discrimination or harassment are prohibited.

In addition, the University community holds itself to certain standards of conduct more stringent than those mandated by law. Thus, even if not illegal, acts are prohibited under this policy if they:

1. Discriminate against any University community member(s) through inappropriate limitation of employment opportunity, access to University residential facilities, or participant in educational, athletic, social, cultural, or other University activates on the basis or age, color, gender, handicapper status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight; or
2. Harass any University community member(s) on the basis of age, color, gender, handicapper status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight.

These prohibitions are not intended to abridge University community members' rights of free expression or other civil rights

ARTICLE III

Mediation and Adjudication

Mediation of claims and disputes, through consultation provided by offices serving the University, is encouraged.

Complaints under this policy may be submitted for non-disciplinary adjudication according to the provisions of the "Procedures of the Anti-Discrimination Judicial Board." upon its review, the ADJB may recommend that appropriate disciplinary proceedings be initiated, if such has not already occurred. Disciplinary proceedings are governed by the documents listed in Appendix A.

Excepting the President and the General Counsel, any University community member may be named in a complaint.

Appendices Table of Contents
Appendix K
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