Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and institutional policies and guidelines; the institution prohibits any member of the faculty, staff, administrations, or student body from discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (“protected status”). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual’s protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual’s protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law. Every member of the College community is expected to uphold this policy as a matter of mutual respect and fundamental fairness in human relations. All members of the faculty, staff, and student body are expected to ensure that nondiscriminatory and anti-harassment practices are followed at the institution.

This policy provides USG students and employees with protection from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation to the full extent of the law. The categories of protected status reflect those found in federal non-discrimination statutes such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act. Of course, the Board of Regents and all USG institutions comply with all applicable federal and state laws as well as applicable rules, regulations, and court decisions that interpret them.