Equal Opportunity

The University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, or veterans status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

The University will regard freedom from discrimination and discriminatory harassment as an individual employee and student right which will be safeguarded as a matter of policy. Any employee or student will be subject to disciplinary action for violation of this policy.  Retaliation against anyone who makes a complaint of discrimination or harassment or who is involved in a complaint process will not be tolerated.

The Office of Equal Opportunity at the University of Maine ensures that the University community upholds federal and state nondiscrimination laws.  The responsibilities of the Office include:

  • Disseminate information about laws, policies, and procedures regarding equal opportunity, discrimination, retaliation, and discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment, to the University community;
  • Present education training to faculty, staff, and students about their rights and responsibilities with regard to equal opportunity;
  • Provide information to hiring units regarding the University’s nondiscrimination and affirmative action obligations when hiring;
  • Inform individuals and units about the University of Maine System’s Equal Opportunity Complaint Procedure;
    Resolve informal complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation;
  • Work with the University of Maine System or outside counsel to prepare responses to formal complaints brought either internally or to an outside agency;
  • Monitor compliance with equal opportunity laws and policies;
  • Facilitate and monitor the provision of accommodations to employees with disabilities;
  • Develop and monitor the University of Maine’s Affirmative Action Plans;
  • Advise campus administrators on the implications of University actions, policies, programs, and procedures to ensure compliance with nondiscrimination and affirmative action obligations;
  • and  Coordinate campus compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments