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About Campus Commitment

The Commitment

The University of Michigan has, as one of its core values, an abiding commitment to sustaining a community in which the dignity of every individual is respected. Key to this value are efforts to foster and nurture an environment of civility and mutual respect by preventing discrimination and harassment on our campus.

At the University, we live and work in a culture that defines itself in terms of intellectual exchange, appreciation of individual differences, and respect for each individual’s personal dignity. The University’s blend of students, faculty, and staff from many backgrounds is a great resource, and we all benefit from the mix of perspectives that is enriched by the culture that each person brings to our community. For many students, college is the first opportunity to meet and interact with someone from another race, culture and background. It is through these experiences that we teach future generations the importance of understanding and valuing every individual’s opinions and experiences. It is this understanding and appreciation for other points of view and richness of experiences that creates and sustains an environment that is inclusive and respectful.

While the University is committed to a respectful and inclusive learning and work environment, it can only fulfill that commitment through the actions of individual members of the University community. We are each, as a member of this community, responsible for treating every fellow member of the community with dignity and respect. If one member of our community engages in harassment or discrimination, the person subjected to that behavior will not feel respected or genuinely valued as an equal member of the University community. That person may stop making contributions of a unique perspective in the learning, research or work environment. That person may also experience a loss of commitment and leave the University. When one person engages in discrimination or harassment, many of us may suffer the effects.

The desire to seek knowledge and understanding is what unites everyone at an institution of higher education. It is this desire that opens the door to understanding and appreciating differing points of view and beliefs. Campus Commitment is an educational program for all members of the University community. This brochure describes briefly the various forms of discrimination and harassment prohibited by University policy and federal and state law, and provides information regarding resources available to those who believe they have been subjected to discrimination and harassment, and those who would like to learn more about discrimination and harassment and how to prevent them.

Together, we can create and maintain the respectful and inclusive environment that provides the support and opportunity for each member of our community to prosper and achieve.

The University’s Nondiscrimination Statement

The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex*, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or Vietnam-era veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Senior Director for Institutional Equity and Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator, Office of Institutional Equity, 2072 Administrative Services Building, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1432, 734-763-0235, TTY 734-647-1388. For other University of Michigan information, please call 734-764-1817.

*Includes discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.

Learn More

Discrimination of any kind can have a profoundly negative effect both on the person toward whom the discriminatory behavior is directed and on the University of Michigan community as a whole. Making yourself aware of, and sensitive to, issues of discrimination and harassment is essential to creating and maintaining an environment that benefits everyone.

Students, faculty and staff learn about many different aspects of human life and interaction in a University setting. The type of environment that is allowed or encouraged to exist can send a particularly strong signal to, and serve as an influential lesson for, students, faculty, staff and visitors.

The University of Michigan’s Office of Institutional Equity works collaboratively with various University offices to provide and participate in learning opportunities relating to discrimination, harassment, inclusiveness, respect and diversity. Individuals and groups within the University community who are interested in such programming may contact the Office of Institutional Equity.

This website describes the policies and resources available to faculty, staff and students on the subject of rights and protections for persons on campus. This website is not intended to create new rights, obligations or procedures apart from those established in applicable University of Michigan policies.