UC Merced is committed to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic and research excellence, and to creating a community where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of discrimination, harassment, exploitation or intimidation.
The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) contributes to this university commitment by overseeing campus compliance with the University of California and UC Merced policies prohibiting protected category discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment and violence). Our oversight of these policies encompasses responding to and resolving reports of harassment and discrimination from students, staff, faculty, and visitors that are related to protected class and civil rights policies.
The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, may not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy,¹ gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer related or genetic characteristics), predisposing genetic information (including family medical history), marital status, age, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services.² The University also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs and activities.
¹ Pregnancy includes pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth.
² Service in the uniformed services includes membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation for service in the uniformed services.
