Non-Discrimination Policy

Last Updated: May 1, 2025

1. Policy Statement

Warsaw Innovation University prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

This policy applies to all members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, contractors, and visitors, in all University programs and activities, including, but not limited to, admissions, educational programs, employment, and access to services and facilities.

2. Types of Prohibited Conduct

The following types of conduct are prohibited under this policy:

• Discrimination: Treating an individual less favorably because of their membership in a protected category or possession of a protected characteristic.
• Harassment: Unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic that creates a hostile environment or interferes with an individual's educational or work performance.
• Retaliation: Taking adverse action against an individual because they reported discrimination or harassment, participated in an investigation, or otherwise opposed discriminatory practices.

3. Specific Applications

Educational Programs and Activities

The University does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, or other University-administered programs and activities.

Employment

The University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to protected characteristics. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Accommodations

The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and for religious observances and practices, to ensure equal access to employment opportunities and educational programs.

4. Reporting Discrimination

Any member of the University community who believes they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or retaliation is encouraged to report the incident promptly. Reports can be made to:

• Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance: equality@wiu.edu.pl or +48 22 223 4576
• For Students: Student Affairs Office, studentaffairs@wiu.edu.pl
• For Employees: Human Resources Department, hr@wiu.edu.pl

5. Investigation Process

The University will promptly investigate all complaints of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The investigation process includes:

• Initial assessment of the complaint
• Interviewing the complainant, respondent, and relevant witnesses
• Gathering and reviewing relevant evidence
• Making a determination based on the preponderance of evidence standard
• Implementing appropriate remedial measures where warranted

All investigations will be conducted with appropriate sensitivity and respect for the privacy of all involved.

6. Confidentiality

The University will make every reasonable effort to conduct all proceedings in a manner that will protect the confidentiality of all parties. However, the University cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality in all circumstances and may need to disclose certain information to conduct a thorough investigation and comply with legal requirements.

7. Non-Retaliation

Warsaw Innovation University prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination or harassment, participates in an investigation, or opposes discriminatory practices. Individuals found to have engaged in retaliation will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

8. Education and Prevention

The University is committed to preventing discrimination and harassment through education and training programs for students, faculty, and staff. These programs include:

• Regular training on non-discrimination policies and procedures
• Workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Resources and support services for affected individuals
• Community-building initiatives that promote respect and understanding

9. Consequences for Policy Violations

Individuals found to have violated this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include:

• For students: warning, probation, suspension, or expulsion
• For employees: verbal warning, written warning, suspension, or termination
• For other members of the University community: removal from University programs or activities, restriction from campus, or termination of relationship with the University

10. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact:

Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance
Email: equality@wiu.edu.pl
Phone: +48 22 223 4576
Address: Warsaw Innovation University
ul. Marszałkowska 142
00-061 Warsaw, Poland