E-220 Equal Opportunity

The College desires to build a community in which opportunity is equalized and a climate of acceptance is fostered, with the inclusion of Students and Employees from a wide variety of backgrounds. The College recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters cultural awareness, mutual understanding, and respect, and provides suitable role models for all Students. The College is committed to providing services to Students in a non-discriminatory manner and cultivating an educational climate that is conducive to and supportive of cultural and ethnic diversity.

In accordance with federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws and executive orders, equal opportunity will be provided for all persons regardless of political affiliation, age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, parental status, pregnancy, arrest or conviction record, service in the armed forces, genetic testing and the use or non-use of lawful products off the College’s premises during non-working hours.

The purpose of affirmative action is to increase workplace and educational opportunities for underrepresented populations. Affirmative action is required for women, racial/ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities in all College educational programs and job categories.

Affirmative action will be implemented in all employment practices including recruitment, hiring, transfers, promotions, training, layoffs, terminations, retention, certification, testing, and committee appointments.

The College will seek assurance from all contractors and suppliers of products and services that they do not discriminate. The purchase of products and services from businesses owned by women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities will be encouraged.

The College will provide reasonable accommodations to Employees for religious observances and practices.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made to ensure access to programs and employment. The College will also ensure physical accessibility to programs and College Premises.

All administrators, supervisors, and Employees are responsible for the implementation of the Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan and adherence to all nondiscrimination and equal opportunity policies and procedures as part of their job performance. As part of the diversity and inclusion competency on the annual performance evaluation, Employees are assessed on how they cultivate a climate in which all Students and Employees feel welcomed, valued, and included and how they support the College's mission, values, and diversity initiatives.

The College is committed to providing an academic and work environment that is free from harassment. Harassment based on any of the following statuses is unlawful and prohibited:  sex or gender, national origin, religion, age (40 or older), gender identity, gender expression, race, color, genetic information, sexual orientation, disability, military and veteran status, pregnancy and any other protected class established by applicable state, federal, or local law.

Any Student, Employee, or other member of the College Community who believes they have been harassed should report such incidents by following the procedure described in Procedure E-221.2 – Discrimination and Harassment Reporting. The College requires Employees to report all incidents of harassment.

As outlined in Procedure E-221.2 – Discrimination and Harassment Reporting, reports of discrimination or harassment should be submitted to the College’s Equal Opportunity Officer. The College’s equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and prohibition of harassment policies and procedures are published on the College’s website and Employee intranet.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan for equal opportunity in employment and education will be monitored by the College’s Equal Opportunity Officer. The President/District Director has appointed the Executive Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development as the Equal Opportunity Officer. The Equal Opportunity Officer may be contacted at 6004 S. County Road G, P.O. Box 5009, Janesville, WI 53547-5009, (608)757-7773, WI Relay: 711.