What does Disability protected class status mean?
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. An individual may be protected under the ADA if that individual has a physical or mental condition that substantially limits major life activity(ies), history of a disability, or is adversely impacted by an employment action and is believed to have a disability, even if they do not.
It is against policy for an employer and/or individual to discriminate against a qualified individual because of a known or perceived disability.
A reasonable accommodation for an employee or applicant with a disability should be granted unless doing so would cause an undue hardship for the employer. Employees and students work through an interactive process with an ADA Coordinator, or designee, to determine reasonable accommodations under ADA requirements.
*U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Disability Discrimination
Conduct that is directed at an individual – or someone perceived as an individual – with a mental or physical disability, and that subjects that individual to different treatment so as to interfere with or limit the ability of the individual to participate in, or benefit from.
Disability Harassment
Verbal or physical conduct directed at an individual – or someone perceived as an individual – with a mental or physical disability that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of creating a hostile work or educational environment.
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.
