Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy
Brandeis University is committed to a policy and practice that prohibits discrimination in hiring, promotion and other terms of employment for all applicants, faculty and staff members. Equal employment opportunities are available regardless of an individual’s race; color; ancestry; religious creed; caste; gender identity and expression; national or ethnic origin; sex; sexual orientation; age; genetic information; disability; veteran status; or any other category protected by law.
In accordance with this policy, and in compliance with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Brandeis University promotes an affirmative action program that assures that Brandeis will actively seek qualified persons with disabilities and veterans with protected status as applicants for employment positions.
Applicability
This policy applies to all applicants for employment and Brandeis staff and faculty.
Employment-Related Activities
Employees are selected, retained and promoted solely on the basis of qualifications and job performance in relation to the duties and responsibilities of the position. The policy strives to assure nondiscrimination in recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, transfers or Brandeis-sponsored activities of any kind. The university’s commitment to nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity complies in letter and in spirit with federal and state statutes and regulations relative to nondiscrimination.
Recruitment and Fair Search
The Office of Human Resources works with departments to help them attract and hire qualified applicants. As part of the recruitment process, departments are required to submit a Fair Search Report. This report outlines the steps the department took in recruiting candidates, and lists the qualifications of the applicant selected for hire. Fair Search Reports are to be submitted to the Office of Human Resources for approval. For questions regarding the Fair Search Report process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 781-736-4474.
Harassment
Brandeis’ support of equal opportunity includes the recognition that harassment of employees, faculty and students on the basis of race; color; sex; sexual orientation; religion; caste; gender; national origin; age; genetic information; disability; or status as a special disabled Vietnam-era or other eligible veteran will not be tolerated. All staff, faculty and students have the right to be free from any conduct that constitutes legally prohibited harassment.
Responsibilities
The university’s goals for equal employment opportunity may be achieved only through good-faith efforts. All academic and administrative offices are to manage their areas of responsibility in a fair and equitable manner in all personnel considerations and take affirmative steps within the guidelines of the affirmative action program to recruit and promote qualified persons with disabilities and veterans with protected status. In addition, all members of management, supervisory staff and faculty have the responsibility to prevent discrimination and harassment and the duty to take immediate action to address discrimination or harassment by reporting any such incidents in accordance with this policy.
Reporting Concerns
The vice president for human resources or designee should immediately be contacted to report a complaint or instance of discrimination or harassment by a staff member or faculty member. The vice president for human resources also serves as the university’s affirmative action officer. All complaints of harassment and/or discrimination will be reviewed and investigated as appropriate by a designee, such as the director of employee relations, labor relations and compliance. Complaints against undergraduate and graduate students should be immediately reported to the dean of students at 781-736-3600.
This policy does not create an employment contract or any right to continued employment at Brandeis University. Brandeis University reserves the right to modify, revoke, suspend, terminate and/or change any and all policies and procedures at any time, with or without notice.
Policy Owner
Office of Human Resources
Updated February 2025