Affirmative Action

An essential function of a university is to help all persons realize their potential. To this end, Ohio Wesleyan University affirms its support of equal opportunity for and nondiscrimination against all qualified persons regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, age, or family relationship. Furthermore, Ohio Wesleyan University asserts that affirmative action will be pursued to provide access to employment, benefits, programs, education, and facilities to qualified women and members of racial ethnic minorities.

A Summary of the Plan

Ohio Wesleyan University believes that minimum or least-effort actions and procedures are ineffective in assuring equal employment and affirmative action as well as contrary to the intent of federal laws and guidelines. Simple abstention from overt discrimination or the rewriting of the job descriptions and criteria for employment will not fulfill moral and legal obligations. Culturally biased preferences for one sex over another or one race over another are not valid reasons for exclusionary practices or unjust criteria for employment.

The traditional patterns of behavior in universities have reflected white male standards. Women and minorities have been judged by how well they could live up to or surpass these patterns. Alternatives and more flexible arrangements should be devised so that unrealistic burdens to conform are not imposed on women and minorities either overtly or covertly. Diversity rather than conformity should be encouraged. Alternatives would allow men as well as women and minorities more flexibility in academic behavior and employment.

Since the elimination of any discriminatory practices, intentional or unintentional, is a legal as well as a moral concern, Ohio Wesleyan University affirms that its policies and practices are designed to ensure women and minorities equal opportunity for education, employment, and advancement responsibilities and in remuneration. Ohio Wesleyan fully accepts its legal responsibilities and pledges not only to provide equal opportunity but also to take affirmative action in all its relationships with persons associated with it and in all facets of its operations.

The University requires the full cooperation of every University employee in order to meet its moral and legal obligations. Vigorous efforts to attain the goals set forth in this document are the responsibility of all persons and departments in the University. All publications and news releases issued by the University shall be prepared with affirmative action in mind.

The plan for implementing the Affirmative Action policy is available at several locations on the Ohio Wesleyan Campus, including the Affirmative Action, Provost’s, and Dean of Student Affairs offices.

Contacting Affirmative Action

If you have any questions about this Affirmative Action policy or its implementation at Ohio Wesleyan University, please contact:

Rosalind Scott
Assistant to the President for Affirmative Action and Special Projects
University Hall 027
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, OH 43015
Tel: 740-368-3386
E-mail: rdscott@owu.edu