Dear Colleagues,
The University of Oklahoma annually reaffirms its full commitment to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, including the policies and procedures that prohibit discrimination throughout our campus community. This commitment is supported by our Strategic Plan, which includes our goals to become a top-tier public research university, and to be a place of belonging for all. A core strategy to help us achieve these goals is to develop and retain an outstanding and diverse faculty and staff.
To that end, I invite you to review the annual Statement of Commitment to Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity below. A PDF copy of the statement is also attached. In years past, printed copies of this statement had been distributed to departments to be posted in employee common areas. We have now elected to provide the statement to employees via email.
I pledge my personal commitment to uphold the values expressed in this declaration, as well as to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all employment-related decisions. I trust all of you will join me in this commitment.
Live On, University,
Joseph Harroz, Jr.
President
President’s Statement of Commitment to Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Oklahoma’s success in diversity and inclusion is founded in part on its commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action. Our employment policies and practices are in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations and are designed and implemented to ensure that no person is treated unfairly because of their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran.
This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services in education programs or activities or health care services that the University operates or provides.
Additionally, the University is committed to the principles of developing a workforce that reflects the relevant labor market and completes an Affirmative Action Program to assist in achieving that goal. Recognizing its obligation to guarantee equal opportunity to all individuals and groups across the University, the University reaffirms its commitment to the continuation and expansion of positive programs which reinforce and strengthen its Affirmative Action policies and plans.
Our fundamental commitment is derived from compliance with all federal and state equal employment opportunities and from a desire to ensure social justice and promote mutual respect and campus diversity. The University will continue its policy of fair and equal employment practices for all employees and job applicants without insidious discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran.
The University will maintain a critical and continuing evaluation of its employment policies, programs, and practices. Each University leader and budget unit leader is responsible to thoughtfully implement all aspects of the Affirmative Action Plan, and whenever possible, to the overall progress toward equal employment opportunity and participation in all University programs and activities.
It is up to all of us at the University to ensure that our commitment to Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action is in compliance with all applicable laws and that we value our faculty, staff, and students. Together, we will continue to strive to reach the goals of fair and equal employment opportunities for all.
Joseph Harroz, Jr.
President
The University of Oklahoma
