The University at Stony Brook values all members of its community regardless of their sexual orientation. Because we are engaged in a mission to provide the finest possible education for all who study here, and have the responsibility to provide a work setting which enables everyone to perform to his or her utmost ability, we must create an environment where students are free to pursue their studies, and staff are empowered to perform their tasks without fear of discrimination. Factors such as sexual orientation are irrelevant to ability and must not be permitted to impede any person's access to our educational
programs, employment opportunities or services. Discrimination against or harassment of individuals due to sexual orientation will not be tolerated.

Our mandate not only requires that people of various sexual orientations remain free from discrimination, but that we create workplaces and classrooms where all persons feel welcomed and valued in an atmosphere of solidarity and security. Therefore, the examples we use in the classroom, our language in the workplace, and even our personal demeanor should send the powerful message that people of all sexual orientations are vital to our educational mission. We must make use of the full range of human resources in our community if we are to enable students, faculty and staff to work and grow to their
full potential.

Division of Human Rights Guidelines

In 1983, Governor Mario M. Cuomo issued Executive Order 28 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in State employment and in the provision of services by the State of New York. In 1987, Executive Order 28 was amended by Executive Order 28.1, which assigned the Division of Human Rights responsibility for promulgating and enforcing guidelines that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. The Executive Order has been sustained by Governor George Pataki.

The Division of Human Rights Policies and Procedures stipulate:
No state agency or department shall discriminate against an applicant or employee because of sexual orientation. An agency or department will be deemed to have engaged In such a prohibited employment practice if it refuses to hire, appoint, promote, retain, train, grant permanent appointment or assign work, or engages in other conduct which otherwise adversely affects the employment opportunity of applicants or employees on the basis of sexual orientation of the employee or applicant.
No state agency or department shall discriminate on the basis of Sexual orientation against any individual in the provision of any services or benefits by such state agency or department,
Harassment on the basis of sexual orientation will not be countenanced within the state service in the employee relationship.

Under these guidelines, discrimination is defined as "Any conduct that has the purpose or effect of making sexual orientation the basis for granting or denying services, or for an employment decision; or
interferes with an employee's work performance; or
creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment."

Filing a Complaint
Coming Out Resources

Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is considered a form of misconduct.

If you feel you have been discriminated against or harassed because of your sexual orientation, you should report it. Required sanctions, therefore, will be enforced against individuals engaging in such discrimination. The Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action understands and appreciates the potential risks involved in revealing one's sexual orientation, and assures all members of the University community of their right to confidentiality. Retaliation against a complainant is forbidden.

Students who experience harassment or discrimination from other Stony Brook students may use the judicial procedures outlined in the University Student Conduct Code, which is available from the Student Judiciary, Room 347 Administration.
Talk to a member of the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action, A formal complaint will be pursued by the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action only with the consent of the complainant. A member of the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action will explain the avenues of recourse that are available and, with the permission of the complainant, will conduct an investigation.
Students and employees may file a complaint with the

Executive Order 28.1 Enforcement Unit
Division of Human Rights
55 West, 12th Floor, 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
(Phone: 212-870-8604)

You should report any harassment, threatened or actual assault, or property damage to the:

Department of Public Safety
(on campus, phone: 333, off campus, phone: 632-3333).
You may also report such incidents to local police.