Juneteenth Intercontinental University (JIU)

Civil Rights, Equity, and Non-Discrimination Policy

1. Policy Statement

Juneteenth Intercontinental University (JIU) is firmly committed to upholding and advancing civil rights, human dignity, academic freedom, and equal opportunity in all aspects of its institutional life. The University affirms that education is a fundamental human right and that no individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination or harassment within any JIU program, activity, or operation.

JIU recognizes that historically marginalized and underserved communities have faced systemic barriers to education and civic participation. In response, the University actively promotes equity, inclusion, restorative justice, and institutional accountability as core values.

2. Scope of Application

This policy applies to:

• All students (full-time, part-time, online, continuing education)

• Faculty (full-time, adjunct, visiting)

• Administrative staff and employees

• Volunteers, contractors, and affiliates

• Applicants for admission or employment

• Visitors and participants in University-sponsored activities

This policy governs all University programs and operations, including but not limited to:

• Admissions and recruitment

• Academic instruction and evaluation

• Employment, promotion, and compensation

• Research and publication

• Student services and housing

• Disciplinary procedures

• Partnerships, internships, and field placements

3. Protected Characteristics

JIU strictly prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of actual or perceived:

• Race

• Color

• Ethnicity

• National origin

• Ancestry

• Language

• Citizenship or immigration status

• Religion or creed

• Sex, gender identity, or gender expression

• Sexual orientation

• Age

• Disability (physical, mental, or learning)

• Marital or family status

• Socioeconomic status

• Veteran or military status

• Political or civic status (where legally protected)

• Any other status protected by applicable local, national, or international law

4. Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression

JIU upholds academic freedom as essential to truth-seeking, intellectual inquiry, and social progress. Faculty and students are entitled to:

• Conduct research and scholarly inquiry without censorship

• Engage in critical discussion of ideas, ideologies, and institutions

• Express perspectives grounded in scholarship, ethics, and lived experience

Academic freedom does not protect conduct that constitutes discrimination, harassment, or incitement to violence. JIU balances free expression with its duty to maintain a respectful, inclusive, and safe learning environment.

5. Harassment, Hate, and Hostile Environment

JIU prohibits all forms of harassment, including but not limited to:

• Verbal, written, visual, or physical conduct that demeans or threatens

• Sexual harassment or gender-based harassment

• Hate speech that creates a hostile or intimidating environment

• Online harassment, cyberbullying, or digital intimidation

Conduct is considered harassment when it is severe, persistent, or pervasive and interferes with an individual’s access to education or employment.

6. Reasonable Accommodations and Accessibility

JIU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, health conditions, or religious obligations, in accordance with applicable laws and best practices.

This includes:

• Accessible learning environments and technologies

• Academic adjustments and alternative assessments

• Workplace accommodations

• Religious observance accommodations

Requests are handled through designated University offices in a confidential and timely manner.

7. Reporting, Complaint, and Resolution Procedures

7.1 Reporting

Any individual who believes their civil rights have been violated may report concerns without fear of retaliation. Reports may be submitted to:

• Office of Civil Rights & Equity

• Human Resources (for employment matters)

• Academic Affairs (for instructional matters)

• Student Affairs (for student-related concerns)

7.2 Confidentiality

JIU will protect confidentiality to the fullest extent possible while ensuring a fair and thorough review.

7.3 Investigation and Resolution

• Complaints are reviewed promptly and impartially

• All parties are afforded due process

• Corrective actions may include mediation, training, disciplinary measures, or policy reform

8. Protection Against Retaliation

Retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination, participates in an investigation, or exercises their civil rights is strictly prohibited. Acts of retaliation will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or termination.

9. Institutional Accountability and Continuous Improvement

JIU commits to:

• Regular civil rights audits and policy reviews

• Mandatory equity and anti-discrimination training

• Transparent reporting mechanisms

• Ongoing dialogue with students, faculty, and communities

• Alignment with international human rights standards

10. Legal and International Framework

This policy aligns with, and is informed by, applicable laws and standards, including:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

• International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

• Applicable national and regional civil rights legislation

11. Policy Review and Authority

This policy is approved by the Board of Trustees of Juneteenth Intercontinental University and is subject to periodic review to ensure legal compliance, ethical integrity, and institutional relevance.

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