While faculty, staff and students are the principal constituencies, the Office of Diversity Initiatives staff also works closely with members of the local and regional community, government agencies and departments at the local, state and federal levels as well as other institutions of higher education throughout the nation. Some people believe that diversity is synonymous with women and minorities. The differences and similarities could include education, knowledge, occupation, age, weight, height, regional background, family structure, income, values and beliefs, etc. A hostile work environment is one where certain behaviors may be occuring that interfere with an individual's ability to work effectively. The behaviors may be verbal, physical or non-verbal, and have an adverse impact on the basis of sex, national origin, religion, race, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
Employees have the right to work in an environment free from harassment.
Supervisors and managers have the responsibility to ensure that work environments are free from discrimination and harassment, and must take all complaints seriously. Enacted in 1990, the ADA is a federal law that is designed to assist individuals with disabilities obtain and retain employment. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their jobs. Equal Employment Opportunity laws require that all hiring practice be conducted in a non-discriminatory manner. Affirmative action also means ensuring that women and minority employees are afforded equal treatment in the workplace, including access to training and promotion opportunities.