Equal Employment Opportunity Policy HR.009

Policy Number: HR 009 

 
Effective Date: 2/27/26 

Last revised Date/ Approved Date: 2/27/26 

 
Approved By: President 

 
Responsible Office: Office of Human Resources 

Public / Private: Public 
 

1. Purpose 

Life University is committed to fostering an environment where all members of the community are treated with dignity and respect. This policy affirms the University’s dedication to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and to maintaining a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to: 

• All employees (faculty, staff, administrators, and student employees), 

• All employment applicants, 

• All third parties engaged with Life University in any work-related capacity. 

3. Policy Statement 

Life University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

4. Definitions 

This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, job postings, transfers, hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, training, disciplinary actions, layoffs, terminations, and all other terms and conditions of employment. 

The University strictly prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation against any individual who: 

• Exercises their rights under this policy or applicable law, 

• Reports or opposes discriminatory practices, 

• Participates in an investigation or proceeding related to discrimination or harassment. 

5. Procedures / Responsibilities 

1. Employees & Supervisors 

• Treat all individuals in the workplace with fairness and respect. 

• Ensure employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. 

• Report any EEO-related concerns or violations to Human Resources immediately. 

2. Human Resources 

• Provide oversight of all EEO compliance efforts. 

• Conduct impartial and timely investigations into reported concerns. 

• Provide training and resources to support a fair and inclusive environment. 

• Maintain all employment practices and processes in compliance with applicable laws. 

3. Reporting Concerns 

Employees who believe they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should contact: 

• The Office of Human Resources, 

• Their immediate supervisor (unless the supervisor is involved), or 

• Any designated University official trained to receive such concerns. 

Reports will be reviewed promptly and handled as confidentially as possible. 

4. Non-Retaliation 

Life University strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who raises a concern, files a complaint, participates in an investigation, or otherwise engages in protected EEO activity. Retaliation itself is considered a violation of this policy and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. 

5. Violations 

Employees who violate this policy—including engaging in prohibited discrimination, harassment, or retaliation—may be subject to corrective or disciplinary action, up to and including termination. 

6. Related Policies 

• Harassment and Discrimination Policy 

• Recruitment and Hiring Policy 

• Employee Discipline Policy 

• Workplace Conduct Expectations 

7. Review Cycle 

This policy will be reviewed annually by Human Resources or more frequently as necessary. 

8. Contact Information 

Office of Human Resources