Luther College
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

https://www.luther.edu/hr/faculty-staff/policies/non-discrimination-statement/ Luther College is committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere where all members of the community – students, faculty, staff and visitors – are treated with respect and dignity. It is the policy of Luther College to provide equal educational opportunities and equal access to facilities for all qualified persons. The College does not discriminate in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law. This commitment includes the provision of a campus environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. The College will not tolerate any form of illegal discrimination or harassment and will not condone any actions or words that constitute such. This policy complies with the Department of Education Administration Regulations for Direct Grant Programs section 75.500 and State Administered Programs section 76.500 on nondiscrimination.

Luther does not currently have a formal bias response team but there are conversations about creating one in the near future. Currently a restorative justice model is used incidents that are potentially bias related.

Luther College advertises its faculty and staff positions through channels designed to reach applicants of all backgrounds. Every job includes a diversity statement that reads: “Luther College seeks to build a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. Luther College is an equal opportunity employer. Women and persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. We value the input of multiple viewpoints and perspectives to create an academic community that is rich with cultural, social, and intellectual diversity. Candidates are encouraged to identify their strengths or experiences that will contribute to this goal." We have an admissions counselor specifically designated for recruiting students of color within a certain geographical territory. This position came about because of a recommendation from the Diversity Center.

The Office of Student Life provides many services to support students through its various offices. The Diversity Center and Student Academic Support Center (SASC) offer many programs such as Student Support Services. SSS is considered a retention program that serves students who are income eligible, first generation, and students with disabilities while they pursue and complete a degree in higher education. Meant to meet the needs of traditionally under-represented and under-served populations, SSS services and activities include academic support, mentoring, and cultural enrichment opportunities. There are also many student organizations that provide student support, such as PRIDE(People for Rights, Inclusion and Diversity of Expression) and the Black Student Union. Luther College Counseling Services is also available for any individual who needs help and support. New faculty teaching groups, mentoring trios and teaching partnerships are available to all faculty when they begin their work at Luther.

Luther has a list of gender-neutral bathrooms and has worked in recent years to change language on single restrooms to be inclusive. A list is housed in Student Life and Facilities and our hope is that in the coming year it will be made publicly available on the website. Farwell Hall has one gender-inclusive cluster. In the middle of last year there were conversations about students wanting more housing options that are more flexible relative to gender but we had a tough time filling that small cluster. As demand increases we will continue to look at expanding options. Within the last year we added a single user bathroom with a shower in one of our first year residence halls. Some students may have a medical need for a private bathroom but this also gives flexibility to gender non-conforming first year students to live in a first year community with option of private restroom.