Discrimination in job opportunities or income levels on the basis of race, sex, or other arbitrary stands can never be justified. It is a scandal that such discrimination continues in the United States today. Where the effects of past discrimination persist, society has the obligation to take positive steps to overcome the legacy of injustice. Judiciously administered affirmative action programs in education and employment can be important expressions of the drive for solidarity and participation that is at the heart of true justice. Social harm calls for social relief.
--Economic Justice For All, Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy, U. S. Catholic Bishops, 1986
The University of Notre Dame is committed to the principles of fair treatment and equal opportunity for all students, faculty, job applicants, and staff. The mission of the Office of Institutional Equity is to provide leadership and support to the Notre Dame community regarding these principles. To fulfill our mission, the Office of Institutional Equity provides:
- Consultation, training, and resources to the University community regarding equal opportunity, affirmative action, diversity, and preventing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation;
- Resources for faculty, staff, and students with disabilities;
- Oversight of and support for the University’s efforts to comply with all applicable State and Federal civil rights laws – including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Americans With Disabilities Act; and
- A mechanism for responding to complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
The Office of Institutional Equity is located on the first floor of Grace Hall, and can be reached by calling (574) 631-0444 or by emailing equity@nd.edu. Please explore the options on the left-hand side of this page for additional information on the services the Office provides.