The University of Minnesota remains steadfast in its commitment to creating an environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful for all. Our goal is to ensure that every student, staff and faculty member feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Discrimination and discriminatory harassment have no place at the University. Discriminatory conduct threatens the well-being of our community and undermines our ability to meet our goals. The University is strongly committed to inclusive excellence. We combat discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, and other protected characteristics through education, accountability, and community engagement.

University Policies

The University's Student Conduct Code and Administrative Policy on Discrimination prohibit discrimination and discriminatory harassment based on race, religion, national origin (including shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics), sex, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. In addition, the University's Administrative Policy on Equity and Access: Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Names and Pronouns affirms the University’s commitment to providing equal access and opportunity for individuals of all gender identities and gender expressions. This policy also allows University members to specify the pronouns and other gendered references used for them and to use gender-specific facilities that align with their gender identities.

Robust Reporting Mechanisms

Individuals who experience or witness discriminatory conduct are encouraged to report through the following reporting resources. These resources can also connect individuals with supportive measures.

• Campus Equal Opportunity Offices:  Campus Equal Opportunity Offices respond to reports of discriminatory conduct by employees and third parties through informal problem-solving and formal investigation processes.
• Campus Student Conduct Offices: Campus student conduct offices respond to reports of discriminatory conduct by students.
• 24/7 Anonymous Reporting: UReport allows individuals to report concerns anonymously without barriers.
• Bias Response and Referral Network (BRRN): The BRRN receives reports of bias incidents on the Twin Cities campus. It responds to all reporters with written information about supportive measures and refers reports to the appropriate office that can effectively respond through investigation, educational coaching, or other response strategies. Systemwide bias incident reporting resources can be found here.

Supervisors and human resources professionals who learn about discriminatory conduct in the course of performing their respective supervisory or human resources employment duties must report this conduct to their campus Equal Opportunity Office.  

Employee Training

Faculty and staff are required to complete an educational module on preventing discrimination upon hire and every three years thereafter. The module is updated regularly in response to new legal guidance, community feedback, and best practices. 

The Office for Equity and Diversity also offers workshops exploring belonging and experiences in both historical and contemporary contexts.

Student Organizations and Affinity Spaces

The University supports a wide range of student groups and cultural organizations that provide opportunities for advocacy, identity expression, and community-building affinity spaces that are open to all U of M students regardless of identity offer supportive environments for students with shared lived experiences.

Religious and Cultural Accommodations

• Meditation and Reflection Spaces: Designated spaces across campuses offer students a quiet place for mindfulness, reflection, or prayer.
• Religious and Cultural Observance: University policy provides excused absences and scheduling flexibility for religious and cultural holidays. View the calendar of Holidays and Religious Observances. 
• Inclusive Dining: Dining Services offers meal options to accommodate various dietary needs tied to health, culture, or religion.

Review this resource to learn more about requesting or providing reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs and practices. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Students have access to a range of mental health services, including individual counseling, identity-specific support groups that are open to all, and well-being workshops. These services are grounded in cultural responsiveness and trauma-informed care.

Find systemwide and campus student resources on the Office for Equity & Diversity website.

University Leadership and Response

University leaders regularly affirm their commitment to equity and respond to incidents of discrimination and discriminatory harassment with action and transparency. Support and accountability are paired with policy improvements and systemwide training.

Ongoing Climate Assessment

The University of Minnesota Systemwide Campus Climate surveys help the University assess experiences related to inclusion and discrimination. Data collected informs policies, educational programming, and institutional responses—ensuring that we continue to evolve and grow as a campus community.

If you experience or witness discrimination or discriminatory harassment or would like to learn more about available support services, please reach out:

• Campus Equal Opportunity Offices respond to reports of discriminatory conduct through informal problem-solving and formal investigation processes.
• Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office, which is the systemwide office that oversees the University’s non-discrimination program.
• Systemwide Bias Reporting Resources
• Submit a report via UReport