Policy and Procedures on Allegations of Discrimination
It is the right of all employees and students of George Mason
University (GMU) and applicants for either admissions or employment to
file a grievance alleging discrimination and unfair treatment either
formally or informally with the University's Equity Office. Individuals
who believe that they have been discriminated against in violation of
the University's Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EO/AA) Policy
may contact the University Equity Office to discuss the matter.
Complainants must demonstrate that at the time of the alleged
discrimination that:
- they were either members of the GMU community or applicants to
become a student or employee of the university;
- the allegation is substantially related to one of the protected
categories named in the University's EO/AA Policy; and
- the alleged incident had a demonstrable unfair impact on the
complainant.
If the complainant can demonstrate that these criteria have been met
then the Equity Office may accept the charge or refer the complainant
to an appropriate agency or individual.
Retaliation
Members of the GMU community or applicants for admissions or employment
at GMU have a fundamental right to express their beliefs alleging
discrimination through the proper channels. Further, these individuals
have the right to file charges with the University's Equity Office or
with the federal and state offices charged to hear and investigate
issues of discrimination.
Any retaliation against individuals in the GMU community who exercise
their rights to file charges of discrimination, or, who have filed
charges which prove to be inaccurate, is strictly prohibited by
federal law and university regulations.
Charges of retaliation shall be treated as separate and distinct from
the original charges and allegations and will be investigated by the
University Equity Office.