Respect and Inclusion at UCF

by Karen Morrison, Chief Diversity Officer

UCF has a long history of affirming that diversity is a valuable asset to our educational mission, of celebrating our diversity, and of providing access to students across the vast array of identity, experience, class, race, and gender. Before many people were beginning to recognize the distinction between the fact and richness of “diversity” and the act of “inclusion” to create community, space, institutional systems and culture that go beyond tolerance to respect and empowerment, UCF set inclusion as its aspiration.

Why value diversity and inclusion so highly that these are part of our university’s top five goals? If you’re a “show me the data” person, the research repeatedly shows that organizations, businesses, and communities further their mission when contributions from diverse participants are provided equal forum.* UCF is on the cusp of Hispanic-Serving Institution status and not far from Minority-Serving. We serve a diverse community and have the opportunity to model inclusion in a country struggling with polarized viewpoints. UCF is strongest as a higher education institution, employer, and community leader when we bring diverse thought and experience to our decision-making, teaching, research, learning, and interactions among community members.

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Harassment and the Law

by Nancy Myers, Director of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

What is Harassment?

“Harassment” and “hostile work environment” – what do these terms really mean under the law, and equally important, under UCF policy? “Harassment” is a form of employment discrimination that violates state and federal law, as well as university policy. Harassment is defined under UCF’s Regulation 3.001 as subjecting an individual “to verbal or physical conduct, based on a protected category …, which due to the severity and pervasiveness of the conduct, (i) has the purpose or effect of creating an objectively intimidating, hostile or offensive work, educational or business environment; and (ii) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s employment, schooling, or business with the University.” This also is referred to as a hostile work environment claim and is prohibited by UCF.

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Discrimination Hurts Us All

We all want a fair shake at life. We want to be regarded with respect and have an equal shot at opportunity, on the job or off. But discrimination denies some people access to opportunity and puts them in a defensive position. Discrimination sets our workplace, our community, and our world on edge. It’s unfair, unnecessary – and it’s also against the law.

In the U.S., anti-discrimination laws were enacted to promote fair treatment and equality of opportunity. The legislation gives all of us the right to be treated fairly. It also places responsibility on us to take action if discrimination occurs. Our university policies and regulations support the law. As employees we are expected to recognize, minimize, and prevent discrimination in all its forms.

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