Policy Statement by President Karim Ismaili

Eastern Connecticut State University is committed to achieving the full and fair participation of women, people of color, people with disabilities, and all other protected groups found to be underutilized in the work force or adversely affected by University policies or practices. Further, we remain vigilant that individuals are not excluded due to race, color, religious creed, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability including learning disability, past or present history of a mental disability, genetic information, criminal record, or other protected status as designated by law unless there is a bona fide occupational requirement which excludes persons in one of the above protected groups. Equal employment opportunity and the goals of affirmative action under Sections 46a-68-31 through 46a-68-74 is supported in all our endeavors.

As President of Eastern Connecticut State University, I pledge my continued commitment and support for achieving compliance with the Affirmative Action regulations of the state of Connecticut, for promoting equal employment opportunity, for advancing social justice and equity and for removing all discriminatory barriers related to hiring, retention and promotion.

To this end, Eastern Connecticut State University has established procedures for reviewing employment policies and practices annually to ensure that barriers which may exclude protected groups are identified and eliminated. Eastern Connecticut State University continues an established record of promoting equal employment opportunity in principle and in action. The University explores alternative approaches if any policy or practice is found to have a negative impact on protected groups and establishes procedures for any efforts that may be necessary to achieve nondiscrimination.

Our policy concerning "Equal Employment Opportunity" provides a system of employment and promotion practices under which individuals are included in the participation, advancement, and benefits of the University. The role of affirmative action in each step of the employment process is detailed in the following pages and incorporated by reference herein. The Office of Equity and Diversity approves all steps of the hiring process: job advertisements, search committee composition, interview pool and final candidate pool and supports affirmative action program goals.

The University strives to administer all terms, conditions and benefits of employment in an equitable manner. We also recognize the hiring difficulties experienced by members of protected classes, and in particular people with disabilities and many older individuals. We therefore undertake measures to remove any physical or attitudinal barriers which may exist to achieve the full and fair utilization of all persons in the work force.

Eastern's policy of non-discrimination is not limited to employment practices but extends to services and programs provided by the University. All executive, administrative and supervisory personnel of the University are expected to discharge their affirmative action responsibilities in word and deed consistent with the objective of establishing and implementing affirmative action and equal employment opportunity.

As President of Eastern Connecticut State University, I pledge to make every good faith effort to realize our goals within the timetables set forth in this Affirmative Action Plan and as required by pertinent state and federal legislation, detailed in the pages which follow. The person responsible for overseeing affirmative action and equal employment opportunity is Dr. LaMar Coleman, Vice President for Equity and Diversity, Eastern Connecticut State University, 83 Windham Street, Willimantic, CT 06226; telephone (860) 465-0072.