Feedback requested on new Protected Class Nondiscrimination policy

The University of Colorado community is invited to review a newly drafted Protected Class Nondiscrimination Administrative Policy Statement 5065 (APS 5065) and to provide feedback by Wednesday, May 15, before its final consideration by the campus chancellors and the president. The proposed effective date is July 1, 2024.

Led by Valerie Simons, vice president of compliance and equity, a systemwide group of representatives from equity offices and Office of University Counsel met this past year to draft the new APS 5065. The working group shared initial drafts with campus stakeholder offices and is now proceeding with review through the system Office of Policy and Efficiency for stakeholder engagement with students, faculty and staff, campus governance groups and external stakeholders.

The policy was drafted with the following goals in mind:

• Align three campus nondiscrimination policies to provide consistent definitions for discrimination, harassment/hostile environment, retaliation, related violations and protected classes
• Incorporate new Regent Policy 10A
• Ensure compliance with recent changes to state law
• Clarify nondiscrimination provisions
• Provide guidance and resources for reporting options and confidential resources
• Describe role and jurisdiction of Equity Offices

Feedback is requested by May 15 so that the Office of Policy and Efficiency may share it with leadership and the systemwide working group. Community input will inform revisions to the draft before its final presentation to the chancellors and the president.