The Desert Research Institute (DRI) values the uniqueness and diversity of its work force and endeavors to make its mission of research excellence inclusive by sustaining a community in which men and women of diverse race, ethnicity, veteran’s status, marital status, socio-economic level, national origin, religious belief, physical ability, sexual orientation, age, class, and political ideology are welcomed.  It is through valuing diversity that DRI acknowledges the uniqueness of all individuals, their commonalities as well as differences.

DRI recognizes that enhancing diversity requires leadership commitment and has developed a Diversity Plan.  Senior leadership will provide support to the following goals of the Diversity Plan:

1. Foster a campus environment that respects differences and encourages inclusiveness
2. Increase the recruitment, retention, and representation of  underrepresented faculty and technologist job groups
3. Build and strengthen partnerships with diverse communities, education and business, and civic and community organizations
4. Develop and execute a comprehensive Diversity Communication Plan

Each faculty and manager is expected to carry forward DRI’s policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action, as well as to prevent acts of harassment.  This commitment not to discriminate in employment includes, but is not limited to the following:

• DRI programs and activities
• Employment practices such as: 1. Recruitment, advertisement, selection; 2. Placement, promotion, training, transfer, and demotion; 3. Pay, benefits, or conditions of employment; 4. Protection from discriminatory harassment; 5. Layoff, termination, discharge, disciplinary action

DRI complies with the applicable non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action requirements and objectives under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act, Federal Executive Order 11246, Title IX of Educational Amendments, the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Any issues or questions about equal opportunity and affirmative action or concerns pertaining to discriminatory harassment should be brought to the attention of the Diversity Officer who serves as the Affirmative Action/EEO Coordinator.  Established procedures are in place which allows complaints of alleged discrimination to be investigated and resolved.