Unlawful Discrimination

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity monitors the University's compliance with federal and state regulations and university policies related to Affirmative Action. The office also supports a non-discriminatory and harassment-free learning and working environment. Applicants for employment, employees and prospective and enrolled students of the university are protected against discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation and genetics.

Discrimination and Harassment Incidents

Discrimination and harassment are against the law and University policy. The University enforces the equal opportunity policies which prohibit acts of discrimination against or harassment of faculty, staff and students based on:

Any member of the campus community with an allegation about discrimination or discriminatory harassment, based on the protected classes above, involving faculty, staff, other students, student organizations or any entity affiliated with or doing business with the University, should contact:

Contact the Office of Institutional Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement at USC Upstate
864-503-5922 | equity@uscupstate.edu

Concerns should be reported within 300 days from the date of the alleged incident(s).

Harassment Prevention and Non-Discrimination

Pursuant to Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and other applicable state laws and University of South Carolina EOP Policy 1.01, 1.02, 1.03 and 1.04, it is illegal to harass or discriminate against any individual (faculty, staff, student or visitor) on the basis of sex. Specifically Title IX states no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual violence and sexual misconduct. Title IX also prohibits retaliation against an individual who, in good faith, asserts his or her rights under Title IX or other applicable federal laws and state laws prohibiting illegal discrimination. 

USC Upstate is committed to providing an environment for working, learning and living that promotes equal opportunity, inclusiveness and nondiscrimination, where students, faculty, staff and visitors are protected from any form of sex discrimination and sexual harassment, misconduct or violence. As a recipient of federal funding, USC Upstate is required by Title IX regulations to operate in a nondiscriminatory manner.