Definitions for "Equal Opportunity"
Equal opportunity exists when every person has the same chance to participate in all areas of life. These include health, education, law, housing, economic development, work and access to services. Equal opportunity cannot exist without its sub-component, equal access. For example, health services may be open to all, but if lesbians receive hostile treatment from doctors, they do not have equal access to those services.
The principle that no person should be discriminated against because of race, gender, religion, or other inherent attributes.
In complying with the letter and spirit of the applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals of diversity, The University of Maine at Augusta shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability or veterans status in employment, education, and all other areas of the University. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The University will regard freedom from discrimination and discriminatory harassment as an individual employee and student right which will be safeguarded as a matter of policy. Retaliation against anyone who makes a complaint of discrimination or harassment or who is involved in a complaint process will not be tolerated. (See Non-Discrimination Notice)
The right of all persons to be accorded full and equal consideration on the basis of merit or other relevant, meaningful criteria, regardless of protected group status.
For the general population the legal requirement that everyone has the same rights to benefits such as jobs. For political candidates, the federal statutory right to reach the public by radio or television.
A program that helps ensure the University maintains an environment where all people are treated fair and equally.