Black Hills State University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy: Black Hills State University is committed to the achievement of equal opportunity in student admissions, student financial assistance, and faculty and staff employment. BHSU prohibits discrimination based on the arbitrary consideration of such characteristics as race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, or disability, except to the extent allowed by law. Discrimination will not be tolerated in any aspect of the access to admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment (including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, promotion, tenure, transfer, compensation or termination). Furthermore, University and Board of Regents policy includes prohibitions of harassment of students and employees, including racial harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation for filing complaints of discrimination. Black Hills State University affirms its commitment to the objectives of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in accordance with state and federal law. The University complies with the regulations of Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as other applicable Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to discrimination. Redress for alleged violations of those laws may be pursued through the procedures established by the provisions of BOR Policy 1:18, or through the legal system. Black Hills State University is further committed to taking affirmative action to achieve equality of opportunity with regard to the disabled, minorities, women, and Vietnam-era veterans. The Director of Human Resources holds primary responsibility for maintaining the Affirmative Action Plan, monitoring related university policies, and assisting individuals who have questions or problems related to discrimination. The following policies and procedures are important elements in equal opportunity. The sources are also listed. Sexual Harassment Policy: BOR Policy 1:17, http://www.bhsu.edu/FacultyStaff/PoliciesHandbooks/PolicyManual/tabid/11329/Default.aspx#Equal_Opportunity

The Center for American Indian Studies provides programming designed to meet the needs of American Indian Students such as Bridge Programming, Mentoring, Jump Start, two student organizations and a general studies class that is offered the fall semester.

Black Hills State University sponsors an on campus Center for American Indian Studies. The center performs multiple duties including the administration of academic programs, promoting cultural awareness, recruiting and retaining American Indian Students, acting as a liaison between the University and Tribal Governments, as well as supporting and encouraging research relating to all aspects of American Indian culture. The center also supports two student organizations, The Lakota Omniciye and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.