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, citizenship, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy1, childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (including having a history of a disability or being regarded as being disabled), medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), predisposing genetic information (including family medical history), marital status, age2, or veteran or military status3.
1 Pregnancy includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth.
2 At least 40 years of age in the employment context.
3 Veteran or military status includes membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation for service in the uniformed services.
