Texas Tech University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

The university is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from any form of unlawful discrimination. The university is dedicated to fostering and supporting a culture of mutual respect and communication. This policy applies to all university students and employees, visitors, applicants for admission to or employment with the university, as well as university affiliates and others conducting business on campus. The university does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on or related to sex, race, national origin, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected categories, classes, or characteristics. While sexual orientation and gender identity are not explicitly protected categories under state or federal law, it is the university’s policy not to discriminate in employment, admission, or use of programs, activities, facilities, or services on these bases. Discriminatory behavior is prohibited by this policy, as well as by federal laws such as Title VII, which prohibits discrimination in employment, Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, the Equal Pay Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, Title II of the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act, and state laws such as Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code. Discriminatory behavior is prohibited regardless of the manner in which it is exhibited, whether verbally, in writing, by actions, or electronically displayed or conveyed. The university expects all members of the University Community to comply with the law. May 26, 2016 OP 40.02 Page 2 Members of the University Community who violate university policies and laws may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, expulsion from the university, or being barred from university premises and events. While sexual harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and sexual assault may constitute prohibited acts of discrimination, such complaints will be addressed through OP 40.03, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, and Title IX Policy and Complaint Procedure. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/op40.02.pdf

The Student Handbook (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/dos/docs/Student_Handbook_2017-2018.pdf) provides several reporting options and policy references, see sections below. Part I, Section A Student Conduct Mission and Policies 6. Reporting Allegations of Misconduct Part I, Section C Conduct Procedures for Students Part II, Section C Anti-Discrimination Policy Part II, Section E Complaint Process If there is insufficient evidence to support the claim, it will be dismissed. Appeal is possible by submitting a formal request in writing to the Associate Vice-Provost for Student Affairs. This information will be provided to the student at the time of notification that the complaint has been dismissed. TTU does have a specific policy, including a grievance policy (OP 40.04 – Access for Individuals with Disabilities), where student, faculty, or staff member can file a complaint with the university based on an act of discrimination towards them based on their specific disability. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/sds/currentstudents/DiscriminationComplaint.php http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP40.04.pdf http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP40.03.pdf

In partnership with the Division of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Student Affairs has recently formed a Campus Climate Response Team (CCRT) to receive and review any incoming Campus Climate incident reports detailing allegations or bias, discrimination directed toward a specific student, group of students, or student organization based on a protected classification (age, race, gender, sex, etc.). Students may access a link to report incidents electronically via the Dean of Students, Risk Intervention Safety Education (RISE), or Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion web pages. Mentor Tech is a group which through faculty and staff mentoring and peer group networking, to improve the retention and eventual graduation rates of all students in the Texas Tech University System, with a special focus on those from underrepresented groups, by fostering a campus climate that is conducive to their academic, social, and cultural needs and interests. Texas Tech also has First Generation College Student Programs. From resource fairs, to marketing and presentations, First Generation Transition and Mentoring Programs promote access to higher education by focusing on First Generation College (FGC) students.