3.01 / Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

Effective: July 1, 1997Last Revised: July 22, 2025

  1. Initiating Authority

    1. The Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance (CTAC) is the initiating authority for this policy.

  2. Purpose

    1. To set forth the University's policies regarding equal opportunity.

  3. Policy

    1. In accordance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, the Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002, the Kansas Acts Against Discrimination, the Kansas Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and all other applicable civil rights and non-discrimination statutes, WSU prohibits discrimination in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities. See Policy 3.02 / Notice of Nondiscrimination. WSU also prohibits retaliation against any person making a complaint of discrimination or against any person involved or participating in the investigation of any such allegation.

    2. Equal Opportunity

      1. WSU is committed to providing an equal opportunity for all qualified individuals to be considered for employment, benefits and conditions of employment, and educational programs and activities, regardless of age (40 years or older), ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, parental status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. A university environment providing equal opportunity in hiring and all conditions of employment will make strides towards the elimination of discrimination.

    3. Monitoring and Responding to Discrimination Complaints

      1. WSU has implemented an audit and reporting system to measure the effectiveness of WSU's AAP for protected veterans (VEVRAA) and individuals with disabilities (Section 503), to identify and address the need for remedial action if necessary, and to determine the degree to which WSU's overall objectives have been attained.
      2. Additionally, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 obligates state and local governments who receive federal financial assistance, to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to any programs, services, or activities. This covers classes, public sporting events, and other activities at the university. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.
      3. The Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance is charged with the responsibility of responding to complaints of discrimination, monitoring university procedures regarding equal opportunity, setting goals, and monitoring and evaluating the university's progress towards its goals.

    4. Contact

      Associate Vice President Civil Rights, Title IX Coordinator and ADA Compliance
      Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance
      Shocker Success Center, Lower-Level Suite 017
      1845 Fairmount Wichita, KS 67260-02111
      Telephone: (316) 978-3186
      CTAC@wichita.edu

  4. Applicable Laws And Additional Resources

    1. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
    2. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
    3. Equal Pay Act of 1963
    4. Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
    5. The Age Discrimination Act of 1975
    6. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
    7. Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
    8. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
    9. Americans with Disabilities Act
    10. The Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974
    11. The Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002
    12. K.S.A. 44-1001
    13. K.S.A. 44-1111
    14. WSU Policy 3.02 / Notice of Nondiscrimination

  5. Revision Dates

    1. November 25, 2019
    2. May 3, 2022 (maintenance updates only)
    3. February 28, 2023 (maintenance updates only)
    4. April 25, 2023 (maintenance updates only)
    5. August 22, 2023 (maintenance updates only)
    6. July 22, 2025