Discrimination & Discriminatory Harassment
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.
1B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education Policy
Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Gender Expression Discrimination and Harassment
A person shall not be discriminated against or harassed based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. In 2020, the United States Supreme Court held that firing an individual based on their sexual orientation or transgender status violates...
Sex Discrimination, Sex-based Harassment, and Sexual Harassment
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on, among others, an individual’s sex. A victim of sex discrimination and/or harassment can be of either sex. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination, on the basis of sex, in employment.
Race/Color Discrimination and Harassment
An individual cannot be discriminated against or harassed based on that individual’s race or “because of personal characteristics associated with race, such as hair texture, skin color, or certain facial features.” In regard to color discrimination, it involves treating...
Disability Discrimination and Harassment
Discrimination occurs when individuals, employers, or other entities covered under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) or the Rehabilitation Act, treats a qualified individual with a disability unfavorably because of their disability or limits their participation because of their disability.
National Origin Discrimination and Harassment
National origin is defined as an individual from a particular country, region within a country, or region that spans multiple countries, as well as an individual of a particular birthplace, ethnicity, culture, ancestry, or speaks a particular language.
Marital Status Discrimination and Harassment
Marital status refers to the individual status as single, married, divorced, separated, widowed. Marital status in employment matters include protection against discrimination based on identity, situation, actions, or beliefs of a spouse or former spouse.
Religion and Creed Discrimination and Harassment
Religion refers to a person’s religious beliefs. Individuals that belong to traditional, organized religions, and individuals that hold sincerely held religious, ethical, or moral beliefs are protected under the law. Differential treatment of a person based on the religion of an individual...
Age Discrimination and Harassment
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids age discrimination against people who are 40 or older. It does not protect workers under the age of 40, although some states have laws...
Target of Discrimination or Harassment
If you feel physically threatened, remove yourself from the situation and seek help immediately from University Security at 389-2111, or dial 911 for the Mankato Police Department. If the situation is not physically threatening, and you feel comfortable talking to the individual.
Can Discrimination or Harassment Happen to You?
Discrimination or harassment can occur in a variety of relationships, including faculty - student, supervisor - employee, student - student, employee - employee, and other relationships with persons having business with or visiting the campus.
Investigation of Discrimination and/or Harassment Complaints
Minnesota State Mankato is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and educational opportunity. Equal Opportunity & Title IX, under Board Policy 1B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education, assists students/employees.
Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation is prohibited by Minnesota State Mankato. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, intentionally engaging in any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment against an individual because that individual made a complaint under the 1B.1 Nondiscrimination Policy.
