Discrimination in job opportunities or income levels on the basis of race, sex, or other arbitrary stands can never be justified. It is a scandal that such discrimination continues in the United States today. Where the effects of past discrimination persist, society has the obligation to take positive steps to overcome the legacy of injustice. Judiciously administered affirmative action programs in education and employment can be important expressions of the drive for solidarity and participation that is at the heart of true justice. Social harm calls for social relief.
--Economic Justice For All, Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy, U. S. Catholic Bishops, 1986
The mission of the Office of Institutional Equity is to ensure that the University of Notre Dame does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, or age in the administration of any of its educational programs, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs or in employment. We support the University's efforts to comply with both the letter and spirit of laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action. We strive to develop a diverse community by welcoming and recruiting others who bring a multitude of talents and backgrounds to the University.
To fulfill this mission, the Office of Institutional Equity offers:
- Training, information, consultation, and resources for the Notre Dame community with regard to diversity, harassment and discrimination prevention, affirmative action, title IX, and equal opportunity matters;
- A mechanism for addressing complaints of harassment and discrimination; and,
- Oversight of and support for the University's compliance efforts in the areas of equal opportunity and affirmative action.