Affirmative Action Policy

It is the policy of Ohio University that there shall be no discrimination against any individual in educational or employment opportunities because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, or military veteran status. There also shall be no discrimination because of age except in compliance with requirements of retirement plans or state and federal laws and guidelines. Discrimination on the basis of age or sex or disability will be prohibited except where specific age, sex, or physical requirements constitute a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) necessary to proper and efficient performance. The University maintains a vigorous affirmative action program in order to promote equal employment opportunities and to ensure non-discrimination in all educational programs and activities. All programs which implement this policy will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Ohio University accepts the important distinction between affirmative action and equal opportunity. Equal opportunity assumes that the concept of merit based solely upon a person’s perceived ability to perform job duties will exclusively govern all personnel decisions. While committed to honoring equal opportunity, OHIO also pledges to take direct and affirmative action to recruit, employ, and promote members of groups previously excluded from consideration.* The assertion of this distinction gives impetus to the institution's renewed search for approaches and programs designed to attain our goals and objectives. This is being done in recognition that benign neutrality in employment practices tends to perpetuate the status quo.

OHIO's educational mission includes fostering a climate that represents and embraces the inclusion of persons of all backgrounds, thus enhancing the University's ability to provide its students and employees with the experiences necessary to successfully thrive and achieve in an increasingly complex society.  We are committed to cultural pluralism in the belief that this is beneficial to all people and essential in strengthening the fabric of the global community.  This commitment demands that we provide opportunities and access for people who have been denied educational justice.

The responsibility of overseeing the University’s compliance with affirmative action requirements has been delegated by the President of the University to the Director of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance. Every member of the University community, however, is charged with the responsibility for its realization.

Any questions or comments regarding this policy should be communicated to:

Kerri Griffin, J.D. 
Director and Title IX Coordinator, 
University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance 
Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost 
006 Lindley Hall 
(740) 593-9140