Discrimination Based on National Origin

Does the University prohibit discrimination based on national origin?

Yes. The Administrative Policy: Discrimination prohibits discrimination based on national origin. National origin can include an individual’s actual or perceived:

• ethnicity or place of origin;
• shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics; or
• citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity.

The University’s prohibition on national origin discrimination extends to individuals who are, or are perceived because of their shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics to be, Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian, Hindu, Palestinian, or any other faith or ancestry.

National origin discrimination also encompasses discrimination against an individual because of their association with others who are perceived to be of a particular national origin.

Can antisemitic or Islamophobic conduct constitute discrimination based on national origin?

Yes, antisemitic and Islamophobic conduct can constitute prohibited discrimination based on national origin. For example, the following types of conduct constitute prohibited discrimination if they meet policy definition elements:

• Repeated instances of antisemitic or Islamophobic slurs directed toward an individual, regardless of whether that individual is Jewish or Muslim.
• Refusing to grant an individual some expected benefit, such as a letter of recommendation, because the individual is associated with a Jewish or Muslim organization.
• Physically threatening an individual for wearing a religious symbol or clothing associated with Judaism or Islam.
• Relying on stereotypes associated with an individual’s Jewish or Muslim identity when making decisions impacting the individual’s employment or academic progress.