Who does the Compliance Office serve?

The Compliance Office serves the entire University Community.

What kind of issues do I go to Compliance for?

-EEO

-Sexual Harassment

-Sexual Violence

-Title IX

-Public Information

-Export Controls

-University Rule Issues

Is discrimination a serious problem at Texas A&M University-Kingsville?

The University, as a large institution with more than 1000 employees and more than 5000 students, does receive reports each year alleging unfair treatment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or genetic information. An individual alleging illegal discrimination has the responsibility to report the behavior and to provide sufficient evidence of illegal conduct to sustain a complaint of discrimination under either Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (employees), or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (students). The Compliance Office takes all complaints seriously and will conduct an independent fact finding investigation to determine if the complaint has merit.

What does a "hostile work environment" mean?

A hostile work environment is one in which certain behaviors are occurring that interfere with an individual's ability to work effectively. The behaviors may be verbal, physical or non-verbal, and may be hurtful to someone on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or genetic information. All employees have the right to work in an environment free from harassment. All supervisors and managers have the responsibility to ensure that work environments are free from harassment, and must take all complaints seriously.

Why is sexual harassment training now mandatory for all employees?

As an employer, the University has an affirmative responsibility to ensure that all employees are made aware of their right to work in an environment free from harassment and recognize their responsibility to avoid engaging in verbal, non-verbal and physical behaviors that may constitute sexual harassment. In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that an employer may be held strictly liable in cases in which a supervisor did not properly respond to a report of possible harassment, or when a supervisor or individual in a position of power or authority over an employee or student has engaged in prohibited conduct. Sexual harassment is prohibited conduct under TAMUS policy and University rules.

Why is sexual harassment training required?

In accordance with TAMUS regulation 08.01.01, Civil Rights Compliance, "All employees are responsible for ensuring their work and educational environments are free from illegal discrimination, sexual harassment and related retaliation. When alleged or suspected discrimination, sexual harassment or retaliation is experienced or observed by or made known to an employee; the employee is responsible for reporting the information." The required training helps equip employees to carry out these responsibilities. 

When are sexual harassment workshops offered?

Sexual harassment workshops are offered upon request and part of routine training schedule. Department workshops may be scheduled for groups. Call the Compliance Office at 593-4758 to set up a training workshop. 

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how does it apply to me?

The ADA is a federal law that is designed to assist individuals with disabilities obtain and retain employment. An employer must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their jobs. Most accommodations are easily arranged and are not expensive to provide.

Why do I have to conduct a search to fill a vacant position?

As a federal contractor, defined as any institution that receives more than $50,000 per year and has more than 50 employees, the University is required to comply with all regulations implementing equal opportunity and affirmative action in the University's hiring practices. This requires conducting good faith professional searches and classified employee recruitments to ensure that all qualified individuals are afforded equal opportunity to be considered for employment at the University.

Does affirmative action mean that women and minorities are given an advantage in the hiring process?

No. Equal opportunity requires that all hiring practice be conducted in a non-discriminatory manner. Affirmative action, under Executive Order #11246 (1965) and other federal laws, requires that adequate outreach and recruitment efforts be made to attract qualified individuals in order to have a diverse applicant pool. Affirmative action also means ensuring that women and minority employees are afforded equal treatment in the workplace, including access to training and promotion opportunities.

What are the responsibilities of the Compliance Office regarding EEO/AA?

-Receiving and processing complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or genetic information.

-Conducting campus wide training programs on sexual harassment.

-Serving as a resource office in resolving employee-management conflict and information on University policies and procedures.

-Serving as liaison for the University with state and federal administrative agencies charged with responsibility for enforcing equal opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination.