Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement

Western Washington University is deeply committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity, in compliance with applicable federal and state civil rights laws and University policy.

It is the policy of the University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal (including a service animal in training) by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. See WWU’s Policies on Prohibiting Discrimination Based on A Protected Class and Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Sex.

It is also the policy of the University to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.

Furthermore, the University will provide qualified applicants and employees who request an accommodation due to a disability with reasonable accommodations, as required by law. WWU develops and implements equal opportunity programs, including for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. See WWU Policy on Ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Implementing EEO Programs.

Western Washington University prohibits harassment of employees and applicants based on legally protected characteristics. The University also prohibits retaliation against employees and applicants for filing a complaint, opposing any discriminatory act or practice, assisting, or participating in any manner in a review, investigation, or hearing or otherwise seeking to obtain their legal rights under any Federal, State, or local EEO law requiring equal employment opportunity on these bases. Prohibited retaliation includes, but is not limited to, harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion, or other adverse actions that might dissuade someone from asserting their rights.

The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (CRTC) is responsible for administering the University’s EEO programs and related compliance. Any questions should be directed to CRTC.

For more information about the University’s commitment to equal employment opportunity, please view the “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” Poster, provided by EEOC in additional languages and in a format optimized for screen readers. To request in an alternate format, please contact crtc@wwu.edu, 360.650.3307 or 711 (Washington Relay).