These procedures are drawn up solely for cases involving discrimination grievances related to gender, race, minority status, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.
A discrimination grievance review should be viewed as a final attempt to settle a complaint. It is generally expected that an employee requesting a review will have previously attempted to work out a solution through discussions with the appropriate supervisors and/or through the mediation efforts of the Office of Equity and Diversity or Human Resources.
Initiating and Conducting a Grievance Procedure
If an employee has an affirmative action grievance and, after talking to the Affirmative Action Officer, wants to request a formal review, he or she should obtain a grievance review request form from the Office of Equity and Diversity and return the completed form to the director of this office.
The Affirmative Action Officer, who directs the Office of Equity and Diversity, performs the first investigation using the Guidelines for Investigating and Resolving Complaints. The Affirmative Action Officer will investigate, and make a written report of the findings and recommend a final decision to the chancellor within thirty working days of receipt of the complaint. This report shall be also sent to the parties directly involved in the complaint and a copy shall be kept in the Office of Equity and Diversity. An appeal may be made of the Affirmative Action Officer decision within fifteen working days of the final report.
For more details regarding the procedures, contact the Office of Equity and Diversity at (812) 941-2306.