Library Staff Council Hosts Rights Rules and Responsibilities Workshop

by Ron Cormier

The Library Staff Council recently hosted the first of two workshops on Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment on May 8^th. Donna Marie Sorrentino from the Affirmative Action and Equity Office provided those who attended the workshop with pertinent information regarding the current, updated policies of UNH in regard to harassment on campus. In her introductory letter, Donna Marie states:

“My staff and I are charged with the responsibility for overseeing the University’s compliance efforts with affirmative action, Title IX, disability laws and regulations (including ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act), equal employment laws, and campus initiatives aimed at creating a diverse, welcoming and equitable campus.”

The information provided at the workshop was the most up-to-date available and Donna Marie’s presentation style allowed for presentation of information as well as questions from those who attended. The workshop guidelines stressed confidentiality and shared experiences as a starting point to discussions about applying UNH guidelines to everyday interactions. The objectives of the workshop include: understanding applicable laws and UNH policy; understanding our obligations and role in ensuring equal employment opportunity; understanding the types of behavior that constitute discrimination and discriminatory harassment ; development of strategies to prevent discriminatory harassment and discrimination; and understanding effective responses to discriminatory harassment and discrimination complaints.

The information provided in this workshop is critical not only to managers, who benefit from identifying behaviors and actions that may constitute discriminatory or harassing behavior, but also for staff who will be better able to identify these behaviors and to deal with them in the most appropriate manner. This workshop will be offered again by Donna Marie on Thursday, June 12 from 10:00 to 11:30 in the Multi Media Classroom. If you haven’t signed up yet, please contact Heather Gagnon.