Non-Discrimination Policy

The University holds that all persons are created in the image of God and possess intrinsic dignity and worth. The University is committed to cultivating and celebrating diversity within the learning community. It is the policy of Seattle Pacific University not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or genetic information in its programs or activities, as required by applicable laws and regulations. In addition, the University is committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful harassment. As a Christian educational institution affiliated with the Free Methodist Church - USA, Seattle Pacific University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees or prospective employees on the basis of religion, including the right to expect the University’s employees to hold certain religious beliefs, to participate in certain religious observances, and to refrain from certain conduct (including conduct described in the University's Employment Lifestyle Expectations) based on the University’s religious beliefs.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact any of the following persons:

  • Dr. Jeff Jordan, Vice Provost for Student Formation and Community Engagement: (206) 281-2123; jordaj2@spu.edu; on campus - Room 209, Student Union Building; by mail - Seattle Pacific University, 3307 Third Avenue West, Suite 212, Seattle, WA 98119. 
  • Mr. Terry Winn, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources | Interim Section 504 Coordinator: (206) 281-2678; winnt@spu.edu; on campus – 330 W. Nickerson St.; by mail - Seattle Pacific University, 3307 Third Avenue West, Suite 302, Seattle, WA 98119.
  • Ms. Cheryl Michaels, Director of Safety and Security | Interim Title IX Coordinator: (206) 281-2678; michac@spu.edu; on campus -- 601 West Emerson; by mail - Seattle Pacific University, 3307 Third Avenue West, Suite 302, Seattle, WA 98119.

Printed copies of this policy or related grievance procedures are available in the Office of Human Resources. If you have a question regarding Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, you may contact the University’s Title IX Coordinator, or the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. A University supervisory employee or faculty member who has reason to believe that the University’s nondiscrimination policy has been violated should promptly report the incident to one of the Grievance Receivers referenced above. 

Although this policy and the related grievance procedures are centered on unlawful discrimination and harassment, the University may take any action it deems appropriate to address workplace conduct that is inappropriate, unprofessional, or otherwise in violation of University policy, regardless of whether the conduct meets the definition of unlawful discrimination or harassment.