Non-discrimination Policy

Non-Discrimination Policy

All PA Medicine students are subject to the MSU University Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation policies. Information related to these University policies and compliance can be found at the following University webpage: https://civilrights.msu.edu/policies/index.html

MSU Notice of Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation

Michigan State University is committed to an inclusive atmosphere where students, faculty, staff, and guests may participate in university life without concerns of discrimination. Diversity is one of MSU’s principal strengths and the university takes its responsibility under federal civil rights laws to prohibit discrimination very seriously. For information about applicable laws and university policy please see the Michigan State University Notice of Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation.

Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP)

The Anti-Discrimination Policy, or ADP, outlines the types of prohibited discrimination and harassment at MSU. Under the ADP, university community members are prohibited from engaging in acts which discriminate against or harass any university community member on the basis of age, color, gender, gender identity, disability status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or weight.

Mandatory Reporting

If you are an employee and a student or colleague discloses that she or he was a victim of sexual assault or relationship violence, your response and support can make a big difference.

MSU recognizes the complexities associated with fulfilling your mandatory reporting obligations as an employee while offering support and maintaining the relationship you have built with the student or employee. To that end, MSU has created the University Reporting Protocols in order to provide employees with information about the mandatory reporting process, including what happens when a report is made, as well as tips for responding and supporting students and employees.

Unless identified as a confidential source, all university employees are obligated to promptly report incidents of sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual misconduct, stalking, and relationship violence that:

Are observed or learned about in their professional capacity;
Involve a member of the university community or;
Occurred at a university-sponsored event or on university property.

Employees are only required to report relationship violence and sexual misconduct of which they become aware in their capacity as a university employee, not in a personal capacity.

For more information about employee mandatory reporting roles and responsibilities, download the University Reporting Protocols.
University Reporting Protocols: Child Abuse, Sexual Assault & Child Pornography

Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy

MSU has established the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy in keeping with the university's commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive campus community.

The policy, administered by OIE, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and sexual harassment, including gender-based harassment, sexual assault/misconduct, relationship violence and stalking.

For complete information, including definitions contained in the policy, read the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy.

For questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please reach out to MSU's ADA Coordinator Office Director & ADA / Section 504 Coordinator, Tracy Leahy.

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Pregnancy-Related Conditions Policy

https://civilrights.msu.edu/pregnancy-parenting/index.html

Michigan State University is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for students and employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions.

This Policy addresses the University’s obligations under federal law to provide reasonable accommodations for employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth or pregnancy-related conditions, and academic modifications and extended leaves of absence for students who are affected by pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions, and/or students who are parenting, including, adoptive parents, foster parents, stepparents and/or legal guardians.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. This prohibition includes discriminating against or excluding a student from an education program or activity, extracurricular activity, athletic program, or other program or activity of the University, on the basis of the student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. Additionally, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, which amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or other related medical conditions. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to an employee’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The Fair Labor Standards Act and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act provide nursing employees up to one year after birth, the right to receive break time and private space at work to express breast milk.

The University prohibits any action based on actual or potential parental, family, or marital status which discriminates on the basis of sex.

Student Coursework

Michigan State University is committed to fostering a culture of caring and respect that is free of relationship violence and sexual misconduct, and to ensuring that all affected individuals have access to services.

Limits to confidentiality

Essays, journals, and other materials submitted for classes are generally considered confidential pursuant to the University's student record policies. However, students should be aware that University employees, including instructors, may not be able to maintain confidentiality when it conflicts with their responsibility to report certain issues to protect the health and safety of MSU community members and others. Instructors must report the following information to other University offices (including the Department of Police and Public Safety): Suspected child abuse/neglect, even if this maltreatment happened when you were a child; Allegations of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, or sexual harassment; and Credible threats of harm to oneself or to others.

These reports may trigger contact from a campus official who will want to talk with you about the incident that you have shared. In almost all cases, it will be your decision whether you wish to speak with that individual. If you would like to talk about these events in a more confidential setting, you are encouraged to make an appointment with the MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services.

The Department PA Medicine faculty approved this student handbook and policies on March 16, 2020.
Revised and approved by the Faculty of the Department of PA Medicine on 3/19/2021, 3/15/2022, 4/18/2023, 12/17/24.