Equal Opportunity Policy

l. Statement of principles and values

Missouri State University is committed to programs and practices that ensure an environment free of discrimination in education and employment and that establish a collegial and just community. To achieve this end, Missouri State University views, evaluates, and treats all persons in any University-related activity or circumstance in which they may be involved, solely as individuals on the basis of their own personal abilities, qualifications, and relevant experience.

ll. Statement of policy

Non-discrimination Policy

Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, Compliance@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252.

Reasonable Accommodations

Missouri State University provides reasonable accommodations that allow applicants, employees, or qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a position.

Reasonable accommodations will be made unless such accommodations have the end result of placing an undue burden on the operations of the University. If reasonable accommodations would cause undue hardship or burden because of costs, the individual with a disability shall be given the option of providing the accommodation themselves or paying for the portion of the cost that poses the undue hardship or burden. Employees needing accommodations should contact their supervisor or department head, or seek assistance from the Deputy Compliance Officer.

III. Programmatic responsibility

While the President of Missouri State University holds overall responsibility for Missouri State University’s equal opportunity policies, specific responsibility is delegated to the General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Affairs and Compliance. Under guidance from the General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Affairs and Compliance, the Equal Opportunity Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistant Act of 1974, and Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 as amended).

The Equal Opportunity Officer works with senior Missouri State University administrators in monitoring policies and procedures regarding equal employment and educational opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.

The Deputy Compliance Officer serves as the University's Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator.

IV. Authority and accountability

The objectives of Missouri State University’s equal opportunity policy is to provide fair and consistent treatment for all members of the University community.

Although certain administrators have oversight responsibilities, achieving this objective is a shared responsibility. As such, the Provost, Associate Provosts, Vice Presidents, Chancellor, and Deans are responsible for integrating equal opportunity principles and objectives into all decisions within their areas of responsibility. The Provost, Associate Provosts, Vice Presidents, Chancellor, Deans, and other senior administrators are also responsible for reviewing recommendations for hiring, compensation, promotion, transfer or reassignment, and termination to ensure  equal opportunity in both procedure and outcome, and for reviewing the qualifications of applicants and reasons for selection to ensure that all persons are given full opportunities for hire and promotion.

Department Heads, directors, and supervisors throughout the University system are responsible for promoting equal employment opportunity.

Evaluations of administrators and supervisors will include their equal employment opportunity efforts and results.

Line of authority

Responsible administrator and office: General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Affairs and Compliance; Legal Affairs and Compliance

Contact person in that office: Director of the Office for Institutional Compliance and Equal Opportunity Officer

Effective date

Presidential approval: February 24, 2025