Relevant University Rules and Regulations
Students with Disabilities
To request disability accommodations, please contact Disabilities Services (348-4285). After initial arrangements are made with Disabilities Services, please contact the course instructor.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Alabama provides equal opportunity in education and employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.
February 8, 2007
MEMORANDUM
To: University Community
From: Robert E. Witt
Re: Reaffirmation of Equal Opportunity Policy and Nondiscrimination Notice
The University annually reaffirms its commitment to equal opportunity, acknowledging publicly its obligation to operate in a constitutional and non-discriminatory fashion, both as an Equal Opportunity Employer and as an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution. This serves as a reminder to all within our community that faculty, staff, and students must conduct themselves in a manner free of unlawful discrimination of any kind in the educational processes and in interactions within the workplace.
As an academic community, our educational mission is enhanced by the robust exchange of ideas that occurs within a diverse and inclusive learning environment, with a diverse student body, faculty and senior level administrative staff. We are dedicated to the pursuit of personal and academic excellence, to advancing the ideals of individual worth and human dignity, and to maintaining a nurturing and respectful learning environment. Individuals who live, work, teach, and study within this community are expected to contribute positively to the environment and to refrain from behaviors which threaten the freedom or respect that every member of our community deserves.
NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE
The University of Alabama complies with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Executive Order 11246, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans Adjustment Assistance Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or veteran status in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in, its programs and services. Inquiries and concerns may be directed to Ms. Gwendolyn Hood, University Compliance Officer, 171 Rose Administration Building, Box 870300, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0300, (205) 348-5855 (Voice/TDD).
February 8, 2007
MEMORANDUM
To: University Community
From: Robert E. Witt
Re: The University of Alabama Statement on Diversity
The mission of The University of Alabama is to advance the intellectual and social condition of the people of the State through quality programs of teaching, research, and service. That educational mission is enhanced by the robust exchange of ideas that occurs within a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Students who learn from each other and from faculty members and administrators (including those at the highest levels of leadership) in an environment with a variety of backgrounds are better able to understand, appreciate, and contribute to our twenty-first century global society. Consequently, the University endorses a student, faculty, and administrative community enriched by women and men of diverse national origins, races, ethnicities, cultures, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds, ages, physical abilities, and religious and political beliefs. The University is committed to offering diverse cultural programs, intercultural education, and other educational initiatives (such as the University’s Crossroads Community Center) that enhance awareness and appreciation of cultural and individual diversity, promote community, and prepare students for the global society in which they will live and work.
As an institution of higher learning, The University of Alabama attaches great value to freedom of speech and open debate, but it also attaches great importance to the principles of civility and respect which govern an academic community. Harassment or other illegal discrimination against individuals or groups not only is a violation of University Policy and subject to disciplinary action, but also is inconsistent with the values and ideals of the University.
It is the goal of The University of Alabama to cultivate a hospitable campus environment in which all members of the University can work together and learn from each other in a climate of mutual respect. I pledge my personal commitment to this goal, and I hope that all in the campus community will pledge their commitment as well.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Statement of Policy
Sexual harassment violates federal civil rights laws and University nondiscrimination policy . The University of Alabama is committed to providing and promoting an atmosphere in which employees can realize their maximum potential in the workplace and students can engage fully in the learning process. Toward this end, all members of the University community (including faculty, staff and students) must understand that sexual harassment will not be tolerated, and that they are required to abide by the following policy.
- Sexual Harassment Defined
This policy prohibits “quid pro quo” and “hostile environment” sexual harassment as defined below.
- Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature by one in a position of power or influence constitutes “quid pro quo sexual harassment” when 1) submission by an individual is made either an explicit or implicit term or condition of employment or of academic standing, or 2) submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting that employee or student. As defined here, “quid pro quo sexual harassment” normally arises in the context of an authority relationship. This relationship may be direct as in the case of a supervisor and subordinate or teacher and student or it may be indirect when the harasser has the power to influence others who have authority over the victim.
- Hostile Environment Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute “hostile environment sexual harassment” when such conduct is directed toward an individual because of his or her gender and has the purpose or effect of 1) creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or academic environment, or 2) unreasonably interfering with another’s work or academic performance. Generally, a single sexual joke, offensive epithet, or request for a date does not constitute hostile environment sexual harassment; however, being subjected to such jokes, epithets or requests repeatedly may constitute hostile environment sexual harassment.
In determining whether alleged sexual harassing conduct warrants corrective action, all relevant circumstances, including the context in which the conduct occurred, will be considered. Facts will be judged on the basis of what is reasonable to persons of ordinary sensitivity and not on the particular sensitivity or reaction of an individual.
In cases of alleged sexual harassment, the protections of the First Amendment must be considered if issues of speech or artistic expression are involved. Free speech rights apply in the classroom and in all other education programs and activities of public institutions, and First Amendment rights apply to the speech of students and teachers. Great care must be taken not to inhibit open discussion, academic debate, and expression of personal opinion, particularly in the classroom. Nonetheless, speech or conduct of a sexual or hostile nature which occurs in the context of educational instruction may exceed the protections of academic freedom and constitute prohibited sexual harassment if it meets the definition of sexual harassment noted above and 1) is reasonably regarded as non-professorial speech (i.e., advances a personal interest of the faculty member as opposed to furthering the learning process or legitimate objectives of the course), or 2) lacks accepted pedagogical purpose or is not germane to the academic subject matter.