Compliance

The Relationship of Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action and Diversity


Although equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity are all different, they are interrelated and directed toward achieving equal opportunity in the workplace. Diversity and affirmative action each broaden the concept of equal employment opportunity in different ways. Diversity, equal employment opportunity, and affirmative action together provide a strong foundation for the system's efforts to achieve a fair and inclusive workplace. 

Equal Employment Opportunity
  • Eliminates discrimination in University policies and practices
  • Provides equal access and opportunity - no one excluded from participation
  • Legally mandated

Affirmative Action
  • Targets outreach to underutilized groups
  • Helps prevent discrimination
  • Measures good faith efforts in making affirmative action progress for minorities and women
  • Legally mandated

Diversity
  • Inclusive of all groups
  • Focuses on developing an environment that maximizes the potential of all employees by valuing diversity interpersonally and institutionally
  • Business necessity given workforce trends broader than ethnicity, race, and gender
  • Not legally mandated