West Virginia University at Parkersburg policies comply with a number of federal and state laws that prohibit harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of the characteristics listed in the college’s Notice of Nondiscrimination. WVU Parkersburg is committed to ensuring that members of the college community are able to work and pursue their education in a safe and respectful environment free from any form of harassment, discrimination or retaliation. The Executive Director of Policy and Compliance serves in the capacities of Title IX Coordinator, ADA & Section 504 Coordinator, and Affirmative Action / Equal Employment Opportunity Administrator, and oversees WVU at Parkersburg’s compliance with state and federal laws that protect civil rights. Protection from harassment or discrimination is based on one’s status in any of the following categories:

• • Age: Discrimination that involves treating an applicant, student, or employee less favorably because of his or her age. In the employment context, people age 40 and older are protected.
• • Ancestry: Ancestry discrimination refers to discrimination on the basis of the nation, country, tribe or other group from which a person descends, along with any cultural characteristics that may accompany such ancestry.
• • Disability: Harassment and discrimination on the basis of disability is addressed separately HERE.
• • Genetic Information: Discrimination on the basis of genetic information is prohibited in employment or employee health benefits.
• • Race, Color, National Origin: All persons must be treated equally without regard to their race, color, or national origin.
• • Religion: Discrimination on the basis of religion is valuing or treating a person or group differently because of what they do or do not believe.
• • Retaliation: Any adverse action taken against a person because he or she complained about harassment or discrimination, supported a complainant alleging harassment or discrimination, or participated in the investigation of a claim of harassment or discrimination constitutes Retaliation.
• • Sex (including sexual harassment, gender identity, pregnancy, and sexual orientation): Harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex may, under some circumstances, be covered by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and, when pertaining to employment, may be covered by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Sexual harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex may also include gender identity, pregnancy, or sexual orientation.  Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence (including sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence and dating violence) under Title IX are addressed separately HERE.