The Core is an opportunity to inquire into the fundamental aspects of being and our relationship with God, nature and our fellow human beings.

Explore the Core
Contents
Catalog Links

Federal Regulations

Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment

All men and women are “created in the image of the one God and equally endowed with rational souls,” having “the same nature and the same origin” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1934). The equality of men and women “rests essentially on their dignity, as persons and the rights that flow from it” (1935). In accordance with the teachings of the Church, the University of Dallas respects and promotes the inherent dignity of the human person and does not tolerate unjust discrimination, including, but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or religion.

Pope Leo XII explains, “no man may with impunity outrage that human dignity which God Himself treats with great reverence” (Rerum novarum, 40). That is why the Second Vatican Council reminds the world that, “with respect to the fundamental rights of the person, every type of discrimination, whether social or cultural, whether based on sex, race, color, social condition, language or religion, is to be overcome and eradiated as contrary to God’s intent” (Gaudium et spes, 29).

In response to the horror of racist ideology, Pope Pius XI reminds the Church that “God’s sun shines on every human” (Mit Brennender Sorge, 10), and within the Church “there is but one country for all nationals and tongues” (18). Society, including the specific society that is the University of Dallas, has an obligation to protect the natural rights of every man and woman precisely because society “was intended by the Creator for the full development of individual possibilities” (30).

As part of its living out of the Catholic faith, the University of Dallas is committed to providing work, living and learning environments that are free of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. The university does not tolerate conduct that is inconsistent with this commitment. Its Civil Rights Policy represents the position of the University of Dallas, and is also in fulfillment of its duties under federal and state law, including, but not limited to, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and their accompanying administrative regulations.

As stated in its Civil Rights Policy, the University will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student or applicant for admission on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, age, or religion, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state or local law, except as otherwise permitted by law. Additionally, the University preserves its authority to exercise religious freedom and to remain faithful to its Catholic mission and Ex corde Ecclesiae.

Anyone who has experienced or become aware of discrimination, harassment or some other form of prohibited conduct is strongly encouraged to report it to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, which is responsible for overseeing compliance with the Civil Rights Policy, including coordinating supportive measures to those who may be victims of prohibited conduct, and investigating such allegations when a formal complaint has been filed.

The Director of Civil Rights and Title IX has been designated by the university to handle inquiries regarding the Civil Rights Policy and its prohibition on discrimination and to receive complaints of violations of the Civil Rights Policy.