Equal Opportunity

Version: 0001
Renewal Date: 07/01/2026

Objective #

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) is committed to equal employment opportunity, affirmative action and eliminating discrimination. This policy’s purpose is to maintain this commitment and to do so within an intellectual community that celebrates individual differences, cultures and perspectives.

Policy #

General #

UTFI will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, or expression, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or military veteran status. This policy extends to recruitment, employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, compensation, training benefits and all other terms and conditions of employment.

1. Employment opportunities will not be distinguished on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or military status regardless of whether these categories enjoy a protected status under state or federal law.
2. All decisions concerning employment and performance should be based on an individual’s qualifications and performance and not on characteristics unrelated to job requirements.
3. Employees shall not discriminate against or harass any employee on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation, regardless of whether these categories enjoy a protected status under state or federal law. Employees who violate this principle are subject to discipline up to and including termination. Refer to TM0002 Disciplinary Action Policy.
4. Employees who believe they are the target of discrimination or harassment of any nature should immediately contact the UTFI Office of Talent Management (UTFI TM) for assistance. Refer to TM0007 Harassment and Discrimination Policy and TM0001D Policy Violation Procedure.

Job Posting Language #

All postings and advertisements for open positions shall include this language: “EEO/AA Employer.” When feasible, postings and advertisements for open positions should include this language: “To build a diverse workforce the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women. EEO/AA employer.”

Pay Transparency #

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. will not terminate or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employer or applicant.

However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the University of Tennessee Foundation’s legal duty to furnish information.

Affirmative Action Program #

UTFI has an affirmative action program (AAP) for women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and military veterans, and any applicants or employees who wish to review the AAP can do so at the UTFI Human Resource office located at 1525 University Avenue, Room 225, Knoxville, TN 37921, between the regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST. Fully supported by the President and CEO, the AAP is audited and reported on annually. The AAP implementation is assigned to the Executive Director of Talent Management. As part of the AAP, UTFI will recruit, hire, train and promote and ensure all personnel actions are administered, without regard to protected veteran/disability status.

Scope and Application #

This policy applies to all UTFI employees, including full-time staff, part-time staff, student workers, student interns and temporary staff for the organization.

Policy Implementation #

Any questions related to the Equal Opportunity Policy should be presented to the Executive Director of Talent Management at [email protected].

Penalties/Disciplinary Action for Non-Compliance #

Violations of the policy and any subsections herein may be cause for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Policy Administration #

The table below identifies the responsible senior official, contact information and administrative responsibilities of policy matters.

Subject Matter	Office Name/Position Title	Email/Web Address
Authority	UTFI Senior Official of Talent Management	[email protected]
Point of Contact	UTFI Executive Director of Talent Management	[email protected]
Policy Location	Public Listing
Policy Review Schedule	Annual Review

History of Revision #

Related Policies/Guidance Documents #

Policy

TM0002 Disciplinary Action Policy
TM0007 Harassment and Discrimination Policy
TM0006 Grievances Policy

Procedures/Forms

TM0001D Policy Violation Procedure