150-19: Nondiscrimination Regarding Language Spoken in Workplace

Questions? Contact Campus Administrative Policies

Overview

Employees are free to speak languages other than English in the workplace.

Purpose

In order to comply with federal law, the University has established a policy that employees are free to speak languages other than English in the workplace.

Policy

A. It is a violation of University policy to require employees to speak English-only in the workplace, whether by policy, practice or custom, formal or informal, unless a true business necessity approval has been obtained.

B. No employees may be disciplined for speaking in languages other than English. Oral reprimands or the suggestion that employees speak English as a "courtesy" are a violation of campus policy. Any employee who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.

C. Employees have the right to request review of their personnel file in order to have written warning, counselling memos, or other documentation related to English-only rules removed. No employee shall be subject to retaliation for requesting review of his or her file or for objecting to an English-only rule.

D. Questions or complaints should be directed to the Office of Diversity and Outreach and/or to the appropriate labor union if the employee is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Any employee may contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for assistance.

E. Any department that wishes to establish an English-only policy must submit to the Office of Diversity and Outreach a formal request for approval on a questionnaire that may be obtained from that office. The circumstances under which such a policy will be approved are extremely rare and are limited to those which are a true business necessity.

Responsibilities

Contact responsible office with any questions.