NC State University

(Ex: 11.15.1 or REG 11.15.1)

Sexual Orientation Policy Statement

REG 04.25.3

Non-Discrimination
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Authority: Issued by the Chancellor . Changes or exceptions to administrative regulations issued by the Chancellor may only be made by the Chancellor.

History: First Issued: April 29, 1991. Last Revised: June 21, 2005. Additional History Information.

Related Policies:
BOG interpretation of term "personal malice" used in UNC Code Section 604B, issued 3/9/1990
NCSU POL05.25.1 Board of Trustees Policy - Grievance Procedure for Faculty and EPA Professional Employees
NCSU POL11.35.1 Board of Trustees Policy - Code of Student Conduct
NCSU POL11.40.1 Board of Trustees Policy - Uniform Student Grievance Procedures
NCSU REG04.25.2 Administrative Regulation – Resolution Procedures for Harassment Complaints
NCSU REG04.25.1 Administrative Regulation -Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy Statement
NCSU REG04.25.6 Discrimination and Harassment Prevention and Response Training

Additional References:
SPA Grievance and Appeals Procedures

Contact Info: Vice Provost for Equal Opportunity and Equity (919-515-4559)


1. Policy Statement

Educational and employment decisions should be based on an individual's abilities and qualifications and should not be based on factors or personal characteristics that are not germane to academic abilities or job performance. Traditionally we have viewed race, sex, religion, and national origin as among those factors which are not connected with academic abilities or job performance. An individual's sexual orientation[1] is another factor which is not relevant to educational and employment decisions. Therefore, only relevant factors are to be considered in such decisions and equitable and consistent standards of conduct and performance are to be applied at North Carolina State University. This internal policy does not apply to the University's relationships with outside organizations, including the federal government, the military, ROTC, and private employers.

2. Grievance Procedures

Faculty, staff, and students who have a complaint may seek appropriate redress regarding matters related to sexual orientation through existing grievance procedures.

3. Short Statement for Publications

One of the following short statements regarding the university's policy on sexual orientation is to be used in university publications whenever such publications contain abbreviated references to other university policies regarding discrimination.

"North Carolina State University regards discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation to be inconsistent with its goal of providing a welcoming environment in which all its students, faculty, and staff may learn and work up to their full potential. The University values the benefits of cultural diversity and pluralism in the academic community and welcomes all men and women of good will without regard to sexual orientation."

“NC State welcomes all persons without regard to sexual orientation.”



[1] The NC State University equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy includes transsexual individuals within the policy's prohibition against discrimination on the basis of sex.  This includes actual or perceived gender identity and gender expression.  See Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228 (1989); Smith v. City of Salem, 378 F.3d 566 (6th Cir. 2004).