Dear Members of the University Community,
We are writing to share important updates designed to more clearly articulate that University policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, or religion in violation of federal law.
These updates stem from recent executive orders that have reframed employer and federal contractor obligations regarding non-discrimination in all phases of employment. Similarly, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a major source of research funding for our institution, has recently directed federal grant recipients to certify that they do not maintain diversity, equity, or inclusion programs that violate federal anti-discrimination laws.
For these reasons and to reflect our ongoing commitment to compliance with non-discrimination laws, we have updated and retitled Policy 102 as the “Non-Discrimination in Employment Policy,” and we have updated our Equal Opportunity statement in our Workplace Values and Equal Opportunity Policy, and in other relevant policies and communications.
As we announce these updates, we want to be clear on two important points:
- Our compliance with federal anti-discrimination policy is long-standing and covers all University activities and operations, including employment and educational programming. All of us who work here are subject to and protected by the obligation to avoid any illegal discrimination.
- We remain committed to being a University community that welcomes students, faculty, staff, patients, alumni, and other stakeholders regardless of their sex, race, color, national origin, or religion. We will pursue lawful, mission-driven approaches to cultivating inclusivity and a sense of belonging among faculty, staff, and students.
We also will not forget our history as a nation; we have Rochester’s historic social justice advocates to thank for leading changes to how our nation views opportunity for all people. In their spirit, we remain driven to continue to support our community.
The Office of Human Resources will soon provide relevant information to leaders and hiring managers that address related updates to processes and workflows.
Thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to the University’s mission.
Sincerely,
Sarah Mangelsdorf
University President and G. Robert Witmer, Jr. University Professor
David Linehan
Medical Center CEO, Dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry
Nicole Sampson
Provost and University Professor
Adrienne Morgan
Vice President for University Engagement and Enrichment
Liz Milavec
Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance
Kathy Gallucci
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer