Policy on Equal Opportunity

Pacific Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and in education for all members of the University community without regard to an individual’s race, color, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law.

This equal opportunity policy shall apply to all aspects of employment, including hiring, compensation, benefits, transfers, promotions, training, education, reduction-in-force and termination. To the extent permitted by applicable law, PLU reserves the right to hire Lutherans or other Christians for faculty or administrative positions whenever such choices are deemed necessary for carrying out the educational and religious goals consistent with Article II of its Articles of Incorporation and Article V, Section 2 of the University’s By-Laws.  PLU further reserves the right to make employment decisions based on an individual’s job performance, merit and/or qualifications.

This equal opportunity policy shall similarly apply to all aspects of educational opportunity, including recruitment, enrollment, advancement and evaluation.

The University will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination or harassment toward or by any of its employees or students.  Any written, oral, physical or visual communication that is demeaning, degrading, intimidating, or otherwise directed at a person or persons because of race, color, gender, national origin, marital status, age, religion, mental or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other status that is protected by federal, state or local law will be considered a violation of this policy.  Any person, or persons, who are found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to, and including, suspension, expulsion, and/or termination.

Individuals who believe that they have been subject to discriminatory action or harassment or believe that discriminatory action or conduct has taken place, are strongly encouraged to contact any member of the University Dispute Resolution Committee or their supervisor.  The University strictly prohibits threats, intimidation or retaliation of any kind against a person who reports a violation of this non-discrimination policy or who cooperates with an investigation of alleged violation.  Any such conduct will itself constitute a violation of this policy and may subject the offender(s) to disciplinary action.