The University is committed to creating an educational environment which is free from intolerance directed toward individuals or groups and strives to create and maintain an environment that fosters respect for others. As an educational institution, the University has a mandate to address problems of a society deeply ingrained with bias and prejudice. Toward that end, the University provides educational programs and activities to create an environment in which diversity and understanding of other cultures are valued.

Actions motivated by intolerance violate the principles upon which American society is built and serve to destroy the fabric of the society we share. Such actions not only do untold and unjust harm to the dignity, safety and well-being of those who experience this pernicious kind of discrimination but also threaten the reputation of the University and impede the realization of the University's educational mission.

Definition:

Intolerance refers to an attitude, feeling or belief in furtherance of which an individual acts to intimidate, threaten or show contempt for other individuals or groups based on characteristics such as age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, political belief, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

Policy:

Acts of intolerance will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. The University is committed to preventing and eliminating acts of intolerance by faculty, staff and students, and encourages anyone in the University community to report concerns and complaints about intolerance to the Affirmative Action Office or the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity, and in cases involving students, reports also may be made to the Office of Judicial Affairs.

Sanctions will be imposed for any violation of University policy, rule or regulation. When the violation is motivated by intolerance toward an individual or group based on characteristics such as age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, political belief, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or political belief, the sanction will be increased in severity and may include expulsion from the University.

The University prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a complaint and/or participates in an investigation involving alleged acts of intolerance.

Report it!
The University provides several mechanisms for reporting acts of hate or intolerance that occur at Penn State. If you or someone you know has been exposed to acts of hate or intolerance, it is your responsibility to Report it by one of the following means:

• Web form
• Contact the Lion Support Help Line at (814) 863-2020
• Faculty and staff may contact the Affirmative Action Office.

If you or someone you know is in an emergency situation that does or could require medical, psychological or police services, please call 911 or the Penn State Police at (814) 863-1111.

For more information on Penn State offices that can assist you for non-emergency situations, please visit the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity Web Ombusdman.

Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity
314 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-5906, Fax: (814) 865-3997

Expression of Opinion:

The expression of diverse views and opinions is encouraged in the University community. Further, the First Amendment of the United States' Constitution assures the right of free expression. In a community which recognizes the rights of its members to hold divergent views and to express those views, sometimes ideas are expressed which are contrary to University values and objectives. Nevertheless, the University cannot impose disciplinary sanctions upon such expression when it is otherwise in compliance with University regulations.