Discrimination on the Basis of Race
Equal opportunity cannot be denied any person because of his/her racial group or perceived racial group, his/her race-linked characteristics (e.g., hair texture, color, facial features), or because of his/her marriage to or association with someone of a particular race or color.
Decisions based on stereotypes and assumptions about abilities, traits, or the performance of individuals of certain racial groups are also considered discriminatory.
Color discrimination occurs when a person is discriminated against based on his/her skin pigmentation (lightness or darkness of the skin), complexion, shade, or tone. Color discrimination can occur between persons of different races or ethnicities, or even between persons of the same race or ethnicity.
For example, an African American employer violates Title VII if he refuses to hire other African Americans whose skin is either darker or lighter than his own.
Harassment that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent that it interferes with employment or educational rights is a form of racial discrimination. Lesser levels of harassing behavior may be subject to the University’s Positive Work and Learning Environment policy.