Columbia University is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment and to fostering a nurturing and vibrant community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all of its members. It is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. It does not discriminate against or permit harassment of employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression), pregnancy, religion, creed, national origin, age, alienage and citizenship, status as a perceived or actual victim of domestic violence, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, partnership status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest record, or any other legally protected status.

Nothing in these policies shall abridge academic freedom or the University's educational mission. Prohibitions against discrimination and harassment do not extend to statements or written materials that are germane to classroom subject matter.

All members of the University community are expected to adhere to the applicable policies and to cooperate with the procedures for responding to complaints of discrimination and harassment. They are also encouraged to report any conduct they believe to be in violation of these policies. Management and supervisory personnel in particular are responsible for taking reasonable and necessary action to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace and for responding promptly and thoroughly to any such claims. Those individuals include any officer having formal supervisory responsibility over employees. For the purpose of these policies, faculty are supervisors of other faculty when they are acting in a supervisory role as department chair, dean, academic vice president, institute director, center director, or similar position. Faculty and officers of research who are the principal investigators on a grant or contract act in a supervisory capacity over the individuals in the lab they lead.

The University offers several options for those seeking the intervention of offices and individuals who are authorized to respond to their complaints. These include confidential guidance and assistance, informal counseling, mediation, and a formal process for having their complaints reviewed. In the event of a formal investigation conducted according to the appropriate University procedure, individuals found to have engaged in discrimination or harassment will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination. Retaliation against anyone who files a complaint or participates in an investigation is prohibited and may be addressed as a separate violation.

The University provides training programs to educate faculty, researchers, librarians, students, administrators, and staff about conduct that may constitute a violation of its policies and to inform them of the procedures that are available to deal with alleged violations. While any member of the University may attend, management and supervisory personnel are especially encouraged to participate in these programs and are expected to be knowledgeable about the University's policies and procedures.

Requests for training as well as any questions about the University's policies and procedures should be addressed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.

Complete information is available online at FACETS http://www.columbia.edu/cu/facets/