What does Religion and Creed protected class status mean?
Religion refers to a person’s religious beliefs. Individuals that belong to traditional, organized religions, as well as 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 that is married to, or associated with, is also prohibited. *
Creed is a belief system, a set of moral or ethical beliefs, which could include the practices and/or observances connected with the set of beliefs. According to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, “a creed** is very important to the person who believes it. A creed is like a religion, but it does not have to involve a God or Gods.”
*https://www.eeoc.gov/religious-discrimination
**https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/01aboutMDHR_ENG_tcm1061-213714.pdf
Religion and Creed Discrimination
Conduct that is directed at an individual because of their religion and/or creed (protected class) and that subjects the individual to differential treatment so as to interfere with or limit the ability of the individual to participate in, or benefit from, the services, activities, or privileges…
Religion and Creed Harassment
Verbal or physical conduct that is directed at an individual because of their religion and/or creed (protected class), and 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.
