Protected Class Nondiscrimination Policy
Unlawful discrimination and harassment has no place at CU Denver and CU Anschutz and offends the University’s core values, including a commitment to equal opportunity and inclusion. All University employees, faculty members, students, and community members are expected to join with and uphold this commitment.
Robust discussion and debate are fundamental to the life of the University. As such, this policy shall be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with student academic freedom policy as defined in Regent Law, Article 5D.
Read the full Protected Class Nondiscrimination Policy here.
Discrimination on the basis of protected class occurs when an individual suffers an adverse consequence on the basis of a protected class. An adverse consequence is when someone is deprived of or denied a material benefit. Examples include failure to be hired or promoted, or denial of admission to an academic program based on a protected class.
Harassment on the basis of protected class refers to verbal, written, or physical conduct based on one's protected class that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates an intimidating, or hostile, work or educational environment.
Hostile environment is a form of harassment.
Whether a hostile environment exists is determined from both a subjective and an objective perspective. The subjective perspective evaluates whether or not the reporting party (complainant) experienced unwelcome conduct (based on a protected class). The objective perspective evaluates whether or not the unwelcome conduct was, from the perspective of a reasonable person in the alleged reporting party’s (complainant's) position, sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with, limits or deprives an individual from participating in, or benefiting from, the University’s education or employment programs and/or activities.
Harassment becomes prohibited by this policy where enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued participation or receipt of benefits from the University’s education or employment programs and/or activities. Although repeated incidents increase the likelihood that harassment has created a hostile environment, a single or isolated incident of discrimination or harassment may be sufficient.
What categories of identity are protected classes?
Under University policy, protected classes include race, color, national origin or shared ancestry, pregnancy or related conditions, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, and political philosophy.
Read the definitions of each protected class here.
What accommodations is the University required to provide?
The University is required to provide reasonable accommodations for students, staff, and faculty related to disability, pregnancy or related conditions, religion, and creed. Find more information related to pregnancy, religion, creed, and disability accommodations within the Accommodations Resources section of our website.
Why do we have this policy?
The Nondiscrimination Policy and OE Resolution Procedures are intended to comply with the requirements of the following federal laws, their implementing regulations, and related federal agency guidance, relevant state laws, and the Laws of the CU Regents:
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”);
- The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (“VAWA”);
- The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”);
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ("Title VI");
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”);
- Colorado Revised Statute 24-34-402; and
- Article 8 of the Laws of the Regents.
What if I am experiencing bullying or harassment that is not based on a protected class?
CU Denver Students
Students who are experiencing bullying or harassment that is not based on a protected class should reach out to Student Conduct. Student Conduct serves the University community by meeting the developmental and educational needs of students related to community expectations, civility, and respect for self and others.
Staff and Faculty
Staff and faculty who are experiencing bullying or harassment that is not based on a protected class should reach out to Human Resources (HR). HR prohibits all forms of abusive workplace behavior, including conduct that is threatening, humiliating or intimidating, work sabotage, and any related retaliation.